Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $984 in Nebraska versus $1,858 in Washington. Overall, Nebraska runs roughly 47% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $72,708 in Nebraska and $121,984 in Washington — about 40% higher in Washington. Nebraska has a top state income tax rate of 4.55% and a 5.5% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
6.5%
+1.0 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
4.55%
None
+4.5 pp in Nebraska
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$984
$1,858
+89% in Washington
Median Home Value
$230,100
$912,100
+296% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$72,708
$121,984
+68% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
51.1°F
53.5°F
+2.4°F in Washington
Nebraska vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Nebraska or Washington?
- Nebraska is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $984 runs about 47% below Washington's $1,858, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Nebraska than in Washington?
- 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 $74,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Nebraska or Washington?
- Nebraska has a top state income tax rate of 4.55% and a 5.5% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Nebraska/Washington — 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.