Nebraska cost of living
Moving to a new state often means exciting new personal and professional opportunities, but it can also be stressful. Figuring out practical things can help relieve that stress, allowing you to focus on finding the community that best fits your needs.
If you’re considering a move to Nebraska, read on for details on the cost of living in the state so you’re prepared financially.
The median rent in Nebraska is $1,303.69, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Nebraska spend $235.12 weekly on food at home and $95.64 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.20 in Nebraska.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Nebraska pay $1,698 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Nebraska
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Nebraska is $1,303.69, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Nebraska broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Nebraska had a median cost of $850 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $977 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,196 and $1,319, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Nebraska is $293,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
The median home price in the Omaha metro area was $286,100 in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The same data showed the median home price in the Lincoln metro at $283,000.
Nebraska ranks No. 7 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 1.63%.
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Food costs in Nebraska
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in Nebraska is $235.12, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Nebraska residents spend an average of $95.64 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Nebraska
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Nebraska is $3.20, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Nebraska is $983.01, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Health care costs in Nebraska
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Nebraska employees $1,698 annually, with employers covering the remaining $5,903 of the $7,601 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Nebraska
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Nebraska is $112.57, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Nebraska costs $9.03 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
How does the cost of living in Nebraska compare with the national average?
Overall, based on housing, food, transportation and other costs, Nebraska has a lower-than-average cost of living.
How much do I need to make to live in Omaha?
A single adult needs to make approximately $52,000 a year to live comfortably in Nebraska’s largest city, according to our 2024 story on income required to make ends meet in various cities.
Is Nebraska good for retirees?
It is. In fact, we ranked Lincoln No. 1 in the nation for retirees in 2024, thanks to its healthy senior population and access to amenities.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, "Housing Data." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
