Cost of Living in Nebraska
Overall index: 91.8 — ranked #37 of 51 (below average cost).
Where your money goes in Nebraska
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Nebraska
Estimated annual spending: $58,461($16,539 remaining)
What things cost in Nebraska
| Item | Nebraska | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $250,000 | $360,000 | $-110,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,102/mo | $1,400/mo | $-298 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.15/gal | $3.50/gal | $0.35 |
| Electric bill | $80/mo | $137/mo | $57 |
| Infant childcare | $14,106/yr | $13,500/yr | +$606 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.88 | $4.95 | $0.07 |
| Monthly groceries | $404/mo | $410/mo | $6 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Nebraska vs national average
What a salary in Nebraska is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $45,900 | $-4,100 |
| $75,000 | $68,850 | $-6,150 |
| $100,000 | $91,800 | $-8,200 |
| $125,000 | $114,750 | $-10,250 |
| $150,000 | $137,700 | $-12,300 |
| $200,000 | $183,600 | $-16,400 |
Negative difference means your money goes further in Nebraska than the national average.
Compare Nebraska with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Nebraska?
Nebraska has an overall cost-of-living index of 91.8, making it below average cost (ranked #37 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $250,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,102/month.
Is Nebraska expensive to live in?
No, Nebraska is more affordable than most states with an overall index of 91.8 (average = 100). Housing is particularly affordable at 78.7% of the national average.
How much does housing cost in Nebraska?
The median home price in Nebraska is $250,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,102/month. Nebraska's housing index is 78.7 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 21.299999999999997% below the national average.
How much are groceries in Nebraska?
Nebraska's grocery index is 98.6 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $4.88 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $404, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Nebraska?
The average monthly electric bill in Nebraska is $80 based on the state's residential rate of 9.07¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Nebraska?
Center-based infant childcare in Nebraska averages $14,106/year ($1,176/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Nebraska?
A $75,000 salary in Nebraska has the same purchasing power as $81,699 at the national average cost of living. Your salary goes about as far as the national average. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Nebraska Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Nebraska taxes
- House Affordability in Nebraska — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Nebraska take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.