Are you on the hunt for the most affordable places to live in Nebraska?
Nebraska has a median home sale price of $385,000.
If this number doesn’t quite fit into your budget, don’t worry.
You will find all the information you need in this guide to help you on your journey.
So, whether you’ve decided to buy or rent, you can feel confident in finding the perfect place to live within your means.
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15 of the Cheapest Places to Live in Nebraska
1. Lexington
First on the list for being one of the most affordable places to live in Nebraska is Lexington.
The median home sale price in Lexington is $180,138, while the average rent paid is $921.
Lexington is located just along Route 30 in the southern part of the state.
And not only is Lexington extremely affordable, but it’s also among some of the safest in the state.
If you’re a military veteran, you’ll adore visiting the Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles.
Be sure to visit Mac’s Creek Winery & Brewery and Lexington’s Family Aquatic Center for some pool fun.
2. McCook
If you’re looking for a town that offers low unemployment, excellent schools and amenities, and is affordable, consider McCook, WY.
The median home sale price in McCook is $168,997.
The overall cost of living index score is 81.
There are nearly 7,412 residents currently living in McCook.
There is no shortage of amenities in McCook.
If you decide to make McCook your home, consider checking out the Heritage Hills Golf Course.
You should also check out the Museum of High Plains Historical Society, Red Willow Recreation Area, and McCook Art Guild.
3. York
York, NE, is also worth adding to your list of the state’s most affordable areas to live in for several reasons.
The median home sale price in York is $196,159.
About 8,101 people call York, NE, home.
But what about rent? If you have your mind set on renting, you will pay an average rent price of $836 per month.
Concerning entertainment in York, you’ll find plenty of novelty museums and Lee’s Legendary Marbles and Collectibles, which is also worth a visit.
4. Grand Island
Roughly 52,822 people call Grand Island, NE, home.
It’s yet another affordable town in Nebraska to live in.
Homes typically sell for around $227,607, and rent averages around $886 per month.
Grand Island is just an hour away from Lincoln.
While Grand Island is not an island in itself, it offers plenty of savings for those living here.
Moreover, the overall cost of living in Grand Island is 3.4% below the state’s average.
For those looking for entertainment on a budget in the city, you can easily take a trip to George Park or Stuhr Museum.
5. South Sioux City
Also on the list for affordable living in Nebraska is South Sioux City.
The population here is 13,835.
The median home sale price in the city is $201,174.
For those who prefer to rent, you will pay an average of $963 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Regarding amenities, several places are favorites among locals who live here, including Siouxland Freedom Park.
It’s located just along the Missouri River.
6. Schuyler
Schuyler also made the list for being one of the cheapest places to live in Nebraska.
Whether you’re looking to rent or own, you can feel confident knowing there are affordable options for both.
For instance, the median home price is $190,114, while the median rent paid for a one-bedroom apartment is $958.
Schuyler Golf Club, Colfax Theater, and Schuyler Oak Ballroom are just several of the many attractions available in the city.
Moreover, the Cargill beef processing plant is located in Schuyler.
So, if you’re looking for employment, this is a great place to consider.
7. Holdrege
Consider adding Holdrege to your list of places to consider in Nebraska.
The median home sale price here is $159,861.
Renters pay an average of $724 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Holdrege is a small town, with only 5,494 people living in it.
But don’t let the small size of this town discourage you.
There are still plenty of things to do in the city, including the Nebraska Prairie Museum, Lost Way Brewery, and Tassel Performing Arts Center.
8. Norfolk
Norfolk has a population of 25,833 and is also known as one of the most affordable places to live in Nebraska.
The median home sale price in Norfolk is $225,933, and the average rent is $801, both of which are reasonable.
Norfolk is located in Madison County and is close to both Sioux City and Omaha.
If you’re looking for things to do regarding entertainment, you can check out Ta-Ha-Zouka Park, the Elkhorn Valley Museum, or the Norfolk 7 Theater.
9. Hastings
Hastings is located just 40 minutes from Omaha and should also be considered if you’re looking for the cheapest places to live in Nebraska.
Hastings has a median home price of $178,264 and a median rent of $814 per month.
The overall cost of living index score is 85.
Moreover, residents make an average salary of $55,554 per year.
But what about things to do in Hastings?
Hastings offers a lot of amenities, including the Hastings Museum, Rivals Bar & Grill, Rivoli 3, and many more.
10. Alliance
Alliance is a true gem in Nebraska and is considered a very affordable place to live.
Alliance isn’t a huge city and has about 8,118 residents.
The median home sale price is $153,789, while the median rent is $728.
You’re sure to find something that meets your budget here.
Alliance is home to Carhenge, a popular roadside stop located in the western area of the state.
It is similar to Stonehedge.
If you decide to move to Alliance, you can visit several attractions, including the Alliance Knight Museum, Central Park Fountain, Dobby’s Frontier Town, and more.
11. Crete
If you prefer to live in a smaller city but still have easy access to a bigger city, Crete is the perfect location.
Crete has a total of 7,021 residents and also tops the list in terms of affordability.
The average rent paid in Crete is $1,200 per month.
The average property tax rate in Crete is 1.54%, with an average home value of $220,000.
Crete is located only 25 miles from Lincoln.
Regarding entertainment, you can check out 9th Street Bar and Grill, College Heights Country Club, Lincoln’s Children’s Zoo, and several others.
12. Bellevue
Bellevue is a much larger city than Crete but is also affordable to live in.
Nearly 63,015 people are living in Bellevue.
The average rent price is $1,517 per month.
Bellevue is considered a part of the Omaha-Council Bluffs area.
It is known for being a fur-trading post and attracts families, retirees, and young professionals alike.
There’s a lot to do in Bellevue, including Le Smash, Sarpy County Museum, Marcus Twin Creek Cinema, and several others.
13. Kearney
Kearney consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Nebraska.
And whether you’re looking to rent or own, you are sure to find plenty of competitive options available around town.
On average, renters pay $1,999 per month.
The population of Kearney is 34,277.
Kearney also has a home-to-price-income ratio of 4.5 and an average property tax rate of 1.53%.
Kearney also offers various things to do around the area, including canoeing, kayaking, biking, and hiking.
You’ll also find many local historical sites.
14. Beatrice
Beatrice has a home price-to-income ratio of 2.37.
It is also on the list for affordable living in Nebraska.
The median household income in Beatrice is $44,991.
Homeowners pay an average property tax of $1,791.
Beatrice has nearly 12,400 residents and is located in the southeastern region of the state.
But what about things to do in Beatrice?
Beatrice offers various attractions, including Chautauqua Park, which is situated right along the Big Blue River.
There are also plenty of campgrounds, hiking trails, and more around the city.
15. Scottsbluff
Scottsbluff is last on the list for offering affordable living in Nebraska.
For those interested in buying a home, you can count on paying an average property tax amount of $1,959.
Residents living here make an average salary of $44,354 per year.
Scottsbluff is located in the western area of the state and offers plenty of things to do for residents, with the Midwest Theater being one of the most popular.
You can enjoy theatrical performances and live music here.
Moreover, if you’re interested in the outdoors, check out Riverside Park, where you’ll find a dog park, a zoo, and several campgrounds.
Nebraska Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Nebraska Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nebraska the cheapest place to live in the U.S.?
No, Nebraska is not the cheapest place to live in the country.
The average cost of a home is $385,000 in Nebraska.
So, if you’re looking for towns with affordable homes and a low cost of living, you can refer to the list above.
What is the cost of living in Nebraska?
Nebraska’s cost of living is 9% below the national average.
In addition, housing is 21% below the national average, and utilities are 15% lower.
Moreover, necessities including clothing, food, and groceries are 4% lower than the national average.
What is the most expensive place to live in Nebraska?
Omaha-Council Bluffs is the most expensive town in Nebraska to live in.
However, it’s also 4.7% less expensive than the national average.
