Cost of Living in Nebraska
Based on 1 city we track in Nebraska.
Cost of living in Nebraska is shaped mostly by rent across the 1 city we track there. A one-bedroom apartment runs around $984 a month — 17% lower than the $1,191 median across the 28 states we track.
Median household income across those cities is $72,708, about the same as the $71,716 median across the states we track. Nebraska has a top state income tax rate of 4.55% and a 5.5% state sales tax.
State Medians
Median 1BR Rent
$984
Median Home Value
$230,100
Median Income
$72,708
Avg Temperature
51.1°F
Medians across the Nebraska cities we track — not a statewide population-weighted figure.
State Taxes
State Sales Tax
5.5%
State Income Tax (top rate)
Up to 4.55%
Cities in Nebraska
Compare Nebraska with
Nebraska cost of living — FAQ
- Is Nebraska expensive to live in?
- Nebraska is among the more affordable of the 28 states we track. Its median one-bedroom rent of $984 ranks #23 of 28 and is 17% lower than the $1,191 median.
- What is the average rent in Nebraska?
- Across the 1 city we track in Nebraska, average rent runs a studio around $908, a one-bedroom around $984, a two-bedroom around $1,193, a three-bedroom around $1,437 per month (US Census ACS).
- What is the median home price in Nebraska?
- The median home value across the cities we track in Nebraska is $230,100 — 28% lower than the $317,950 median across the states we track.
- Does Nebraska have a state income tax?
- Yes — Nebraska's top state income tax rate is 4.55% (most filers pay less than the top rate). Its state sales tax rate is 5.5%; local jurisdictions may add more.
- How much do you need to earn to live in Nebraska?
- To keep a one-bedroom rent of $984 near the recommended 30% of gross income, you'd want to earn roughly $39,000 a year. Median household income across the cities we track in Nebraska is $72,708.
Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026 (state taxes).