Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $984 in Nebraska versus $1,189 in Pennsylvania. Overall, Nebraska runs roughly 17% cheaper on rent than Pennsylvania, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $72,708 in Nebraska and $60,698 in Pennsylvania — about 17% higher in Nebraska. Nebraska has a top state income tax rate of 4.55% and a 5.5% state sales tax; Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Nebraska vs Pennsylvania — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Nebraska or Pennsylvania?
- Nebraska is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $984 runs about 17% below Pennsylvania's $1,189, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Nebraska than in Pennsylvania?
- 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 $48,000 in Pennsylvania.
- Which has lower taxes, Nebraska or Pennsylvania?
- Nebraska has a top state income tax rate of 4.55% and a 5.5% state sales tax. Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Nebraska/Pennsylvania — 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.