Planning on moving to the Cornhusker State? You’re not alone! More than 45,000 people are moving to Nebraska annually. With this growth, Nebraska’s population has hit 1.98 million in 2024.
The Cornhusker State has 4 Fortune 500 companies like Berkshire Hathaway and Mutual of Omaha. The average cost to live in Nebraska is 45.5% lower than the national average, with a single person’s monthly expenses averaging $2,600. Additionally, the state’s pleasant climate appeals to potential movers too.
3 Reasons to Move to Nebraska
Nebraska is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to NE:
| # | Reasons to Move to NE | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Nebraska is 12.2% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Cornhusker State aims to add 63,862 new jobs by 2032 across different sectors. |
| 3. | Education | Nebraska ranks #14 across the country in terms of education. |
1. Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Nebraska is 12.2% lower than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to other midwest states like Illinois and Michigan, where living costs are comparatively higher i.e. 6.3% and 8.5% below the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Nebraska’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Omaha | $270,000 | $1,185 | $89 | $307.64 | $657 |
| Lincoln | $290,000 | $1,272 | $70.3 | $105.35 | $547 |
| Bellevue | $275,000 | $1,361 | $46.9 | $223.13 | $596 |
| Kearney | $268,500 | $1,130 | $42.6 | $307.64 | $598 |
2. Employment Opportunities
Nebraska’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Cornhusker aims to add 63,862 new jobs by the end of 2032.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: This sector employs 15.2% of all the total employment in the sector. It is projected to add 13,800 new jobs by the end of 2032. There are 9,824 establishments in NE and Methodist Health System and First National Bank are the top employers in the state.
- Accommodation and Food Service: This industry employs 80,252 individuals in the state and is expected to add 6,218 new jobs by the end of 2032. Fast food and counter workers, waiters, and bartenders are in high demand. Berry Law Veterans and Anthony are some of the well-known employers in the state.
- Manufacturing: Manufacturing is 2nd largest sector in the state. It is also home to more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities and employs over 10% of the state’s workforce. Tyson Fresh Meats and JBS are the top employers in the state.
- Professional and Technical Services: This sector’s employment reached its peak for 2023 in October at 127,810. By the end of 2032, the sector is projected to add 4,523 by the end of 2032. InfiNet Solutions and Knights of Bytes are some of the top employers in the state.
3. Excellent Education System
Nebraska ranks #14 across the country in terms of education. The state serves over 328,724 students across 244 school districts.
- Public Schools: The state has 1,036 public schools known for their academic excellence. 4 Nebraskan public schools are recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools. Elkhorn Public Schools and Millard Public Schools are two of them.
- Private Schools: Nebraska is home to over 235 private schools. The average tuition for private schools is around $4,884 annually. The top-ranked private schools in Nebraska include Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School and Gross Catholic High School.
- Higher Education: NE has 3 higher education sectors: the University of Nebraska System, Nebraska State College System, and Nebraska Community Colleges. The University of Nebraska is the state’s flagship institution, known for programs in agricultural sciences, engineering, and medical research.
Cost of Moving to Nebraska 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to NE:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $386 to $3,768
Moving to Nebraska involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Nebraska movers typically cost $115 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Nebraska.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Nebraska.
- When relocating to Nebraska, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average cost of utilities in NE is around $379/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Nebraska. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in NE starts at $15. A standard title fee is around $10.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Cornhusker can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue the average rent ranges between $1,000 and $2,000.
- However, if you’re looking to buy a house in Nebraska, home prices vary across the state. Popular neighborhoods like Hickman have a median home price of $325K On the other hand, the average cost of a home in small cities like Beatrice is $168K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Nebraska ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to NE, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Nebraska neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
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