Cost of Living for Nebraska (2026)
Nebraska (NE) Key Facts
Cost of Living Index
92
National Average Index
100
Median Household Income
$66,000
Approximate Median Rent (1 B R)
$900/month
State Income Tax Rate
5.84%
How This Calculator Works in Nebraska
This cost of living calculator helps you compare salaries between Nebraska and other states or cities by adjusting for purchasing power differences. Enter a salary and a target location to see what equivalent income you would need. It uses Nebraska's cost of living index of 92 relative to the national average of 100 to provide an accurate comparison.
Nebraska Overview
Nebraska has a cost of living index of 92, where 100 represents the national average. Nebraska has a below-average cost of living. Omaha and Lincoln are the most expensive areas but remain affordable compared to coastal cities. The median household income is $66,000, which has a purchasing power equivalent of approximately $71,739 in an average-cost location.
How Nebraska Compares
Nebraska's cost of living index of 92 compares to Kansas's 89 and Iowa's 89. Residents in Nebraska benefit from lower costs compared to the national average, meaning salaries stretch further here. The most affordable states like Mississippi (84) cost roughly 10% less than Nebraska, while the most expensive like Hawaii (192) cost 109% more.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas | COL Index: 89 | Kansas has a cost of living index of 89 and a median household income of $64,000. It is more affordable than Nebraska. |
| Iowa | COL Index: 89 | Iowa has a cost of living index of 89 and a median household income of $62,000. It is more affordable than Nebraska. |
| South Dakota | COL Index: 92 | South Dakota has a cost of living index of 92 and a median household income of $63,000. It has a similar cost of living to Nebraska. |
The national average cost of living index is 100. Nebraska's index of 92 is below the national average. States like Mississippi (84) and West Virginia (84) have the lowest cost of living, while Hawaii (192) and DC (148) have the highest. Nebraska's median household income of $66,000 should be evaluated alongside its cost of living to understand real purchasing power.
Tips for Nebraska Residents
- 1Nebraska has a below-average cost of living. Omaha and Lincoln are the most expensive areas but remain affordable compared to coastal cities.
- 2Nebraska's median household income of $66,000 has a real purchasing power of about $71,739 when adjusted to the national average. Compare this figure, not the raw salary, when evaluating cross-state moves or job offers.
- 3Nebraska's top state income tax rate of 5.84% further reduces purchasing power beyond what the cost of living index alone shows. Factor in taxes when making state-to-state comparisons.
- 4When comparing job offers between states, adjust salaries by the cost of living index. A $60,000 salary in a state with an index of 90 provides more purchasing power than $70,000 in a state with an index above 105.
- 5Look beyond the state average — costs can vary dramatically within Nebraska between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities. Research the specific city or county where you would live.