Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Maine versus $984 in Nebraska. Overall, Maine runs roughly 10% cheaper on rent than Nebraska, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,096 in Maine and $72,708 in Nebraska — about 20% higher in Nebraska. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; Nebraska has a top state income tax rate of 4.55% and a 5.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
5.5%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
4.55%
+2.6 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$984
+11% in Nebraska
Median Home Value
$214,200
$230,800
+8% in Nebraska
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,096
$72,708
+25% in Nebraska
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.8°F
51.1°F
+5.3°F in Nebraska
Maine vs Nebraska — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Nebraska?
- Maine is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 10% below Nebraska's $984, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maine than in Nebraska?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $36,000 a year in Maine versus $39,000 in Nebraska.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or Nebraska?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax. Nebraska has a top state income tax rate of 4.55% and a 5.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Maine/Nebraska — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.