Cost of living in Nebraska
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Nebraska are 9.9% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 90.1 (U.S. = 100), making it the #11 cheapest of 51 states and DC. Compare Nebraska with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Nebraska prices
- 7.7% pricier
- Take-home in Nebraska at $75,000
- $59,060$4,922 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $63,618$5,301 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- −3.2%−$2,025 a year in Nebraska buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Nebraska take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Nebraska with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Nebraska as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Nebraska? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Nebraska prices by category
| Category | Nebraska | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 90.1 | −9.9% |
| Goods | 94.1 | −5.9% |
| Housing (rent) | 75.2 | −24.8% |
| Utilities | 75.6 | −24.4% |
| Other services | 93.0 | −7.0% |
Low housing costs keep Nebraska affordable: rents run 25% below average. The overall price level fell 0.2% relative to the nation versus 2023 (90.3). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Nebraska, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,040 | $40,960 | $45,459 | $55,492 |
| $75,000 | $15,940 | $59,060 | $65,547 | $83,238 |
| $100,000 | $24,490 | $75,510 | $83,804 | $110,984 |
At $75,000, Nebraska ranks #12 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Nebraska paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Nebraska equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Nebraska. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Nebraska once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | −1.7% | $73,737 | $69,986 |
| Iowa | −2.6% | $73,051 | $72,191 |
| Missouri | +0.8% | $75,594 | $75,712 |
| Kansas | −0.0% | $74,971 | $76,281 |
| Colorado | +14.4% | $85,778 | $88,550 |
| Wyoming | +2.9% | $77,154 | $73,811 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −3.5% | $72,365 | $71,518 |
| Mississippi | −3.5% | $72,378 | $71,489 |
| Oklahoma | −2.5% | $73,119 | $73,201 |
| California | +22.9% | $92,161 | $99,579 |
| Hawaii | +22.0% | $91,521 | $98,527 |
| Washington, DC | +22.0% | $91,479 | $97,545 |
| New Jersey | +20.8% | $90,567 | $95,168 |
| Texas | +7.7% | $80,788 | $77,879 |
| Florida | +14.8% | $86,080 | $83,802 |
| New York | +19.8% | $89,831 | $95,129 |
Moving from Nebraska to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Nebraska expensive to live in?
Nebraska has a price level of 90.1 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 9.9% below the national average. It ranks #11 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Nebraska?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $67,577 in Nebraska before taxes. After Nebraska taxes, $75,000 takes home $59,060 — worth $65,547 at U.S.-average prices, #12 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Nebraska?
Nebraska's housing price level is 75.2, meaning rents are 24.8% below the national average. Goods are 94.1 and utilities 75.6.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Iowa (price level 87.8, −2.6% vs Nebraska). A $75,000 Nebraska salary is equivalent to $72,191 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.