Cheapest Places to Live in Nebraska

Nebraska, with its vast prairies, vibrant agricultural communities, and friendly small towns, offers a peaceful and affordable living environment. Landmarks such as Chimney Rock, the Henry Doorly Zoo, and the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum highlight the state's diverse attractions. The state's economy is largely driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors. Nebraska's tax structure includes moderate income and property taxes, which contribute to its overall affordability. Despite recent inflation and rising food costs, Nebraska remains one of the more affordable states in the Midwest, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of a strong agricultural base and manageable living costs makes Nebraska an attractive place for those seeking affordability and a high quality of life.

Affordable living in Nebraska can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These regions provide a more manageable cost of living, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. Affordability is a crucial factor in livability, as it allows residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without undue financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in Nebraska include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these affordable regions, ensuring that potential residents can make informed decisions. In a state known for its community spirit and economic opportunities, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience.

McCook Population: 7,555 8% cheaper than Nebraska average

Med. Home Value: $111,100 Med. Rent: $637 Med. Household Inc.: $44,961

With a cost of living index that is 8% cheaper than the state average, McCook is the cheapest place to live in Nebraska. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, McCook provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Lexington Population: 10,069 6% cheaper than Nebraska average

Med. Home Value: $114,500 Med. Rent: $837 Med. Household Inc.: $55,913

The second most affordable city in Nebraska is Lexington and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 6% cheaper than the Nebraska average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

Holdrege Population: 5,406 6% cheaper than Nebraska average

Med. Home Value: $131,900 Med. Rent: $654 Med. Household Inc.: $53,241

Holdrege lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in Nebraska, with a cost of living that is 6% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

Hastings Population: 24,878 5% cheaper than Nebraska average

Med. Home Value: $127,300 Med. Rent: $730 Med. Household Inc.: $52,747

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. Hastings offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 5% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

North Platte Population: 23,734 5% cheaper than Nebraska average

Med. Home Value: $126,400 Med. Rent: $774 Med. Household Inc.: $52,653

For those wanting to live well on a budget, North Platte is ideal, with a cost of living that is 5% cheaper than the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the Nebraska average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

York Population: 7,810 4% cheaper than Nebraska average

Med. Home Value: $136,600 Med. Rent: $746 Med. Household Inc.: $58,125

York comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in Nebraska and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 4% cheaper than Nebraska. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Schuyler Population: 6,269 4% cheaper than Nebraska average

Med. Home Value: $87,700 Med. Rent: $693 Med. Household Inc.: $64,657

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Schuyler is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

South Sioux City Population: 12,867 4% cheaper than Nebraska average

Med. Home Value: $124,300 Med. Rent: $815 Med. Household Inc.: $56,744

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. South Sioux City fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 4% cheaper than Nebraska.

Grand Island Population: 51,250 2% cheaper than Nebraska average

Med. Home Value: $148,200 Med. Rent: $780 Med. Household Inc.: $56,513

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Grand Island is one of the most affordable cities in Nebraska, and has a cost of living that is 2% cheaper than the state average.

Crete Population: 7,013 2% cheaper than Nebraska average

Med. Home Value: $104,300 Med. Rent: $718 Med. Household Inc.: $47,022

With a cost of living that is 2% cheaper than Nebraska, Crete comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in Nebraska. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in Nebraska

Rank	Location	Population	COL Index	Med. Home Value	Med. Household Inc.
1	McCook	7,555	82	$111,100	$44,961
2	Lexington	10,069	84	$114,500	$55,913
3	Holdrege	5,406	84	$131,900	$53,241
4	Hastings	24,878	85	$127,300	$52,747
5	North Platte	23,734	85	$126,400	$52,653
6	York	7,810	86	$136,600	$58,125
7	Schuyler	6,269	86	$87,700	$64,657
8	South Sioux City	12,867	86	$124,300	$56,744
9	Grand Island	51,250	88	$148,200	$56,513
10	Crete	7,013	88	$104,300	$47,022
11	Sidney	6,451	88	$101,800	$51,880
12	Nebraska City	7,270	88	$120,000	$56,947
13	Beatrice	12,282	88	$115,100	$42,103
14	Chadron	5,482	89	$123,700	$48,344
15	Plattsmouth	6,453	90	$122,200	$50,680
16	Alliance	8,139	90	$124,500	$57,898
17	Wayne	5,603	90	$138,000	$47,054
18	Scottsbluff	14,660	91	$116,400	$49,182
19	Fremont	26,362	91	$140,400	$54,291
20	Norfolk	24,410	92	$155,600	$49,280
21	Kearney	33,783	92	$188,800	$60,755
22	Gering	8,179	93	$139,600	$62,764
23	Blair	7,830	93	$161,300	$57,274
24	Ralston	7,305	94	$151,800	$60,106
25	Columbus	23,291	94	$155,400	$57,919
26	Chalco	10,092	94	$162,400	$76,250
27	Omaha	479,529	96	$167,800	$62,213
28	Bellevue	63,970	96	$165,900	$70,647
29	Seward	7,210	96	$168,300	$66,190
30	La Vista	17,081	97	$169,100	$70,184
31	Gretna	5,039	97	$181,200	$69,592
32	Lincoln	286,388	98	$180,400	$60,063
33	Papillion	24,310	102	$222,300	$90,000
34	Offutt AFB	5,280	109	$0	$61,602

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in Nebraska, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

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The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.