Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $984 in Nebraska versus $1,705 in New York. Overall, Nebraska runs roughly 42% cheaper on rent than New York, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $72,708 in Nebraska and $79,713 in New York — about 9% higher in New York. Nebraska has a top state income tax rate of 4.55% and a 5.5% state sales tax; New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
4%
+1.5 pp in Nebraska
Income Tax (top rate)
4.55%
10.90%
+6.4 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$984
$1,705
+73% in New York
Median Home Value
$230,100
$751,700
+227% in New York
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$72,708
$79,713
+10% in New York
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
51.1°F
55.0°F
+3.9°F in New York
Nebraska vs New York — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Nebraska or New York?
- Nebraska is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $984 runs about 42% below New York's $1,705, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Nebraska than in New York?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $39,000 a year in Nebraska versus $68,000 in New York.
- Which has lower taxes, Nebraska or New York?
- Nebraska has a top state income tax rate of 4.55% and a 5.5% state sales tax. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Nebraska/New York — 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.