Nebraska attracts Americans from all over. And there are good reasons why: Affordable transport, low cost of living, and cheaper houses. You can’t go wrong with the Cornhusker State!
Although property prices have risen in recent years, the average home value in the top 10 cheapest cities is still only around $300,000. McCook’s cost of living is 23% lower than the national average, and Alliance is 23.2% more affordable than the rest of the country.
But that’s not all! Retirees can enjoy Beatrice’s friendly community and peaceful environment, with homes averaging a nominal $174K. Meanwhile, Holdrege offers a booming job market in education, healthcare, and technology, with median home prices at just $171,479.
Cheapest Places to Live in Nebraska in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the most affordable places to live in Nebraska. We’ve considered the average household income, median list price, median house rent, and the population of the cities.
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to National Average | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Alliance | $165,842 | $985 | 23.2% lower⬇️ | $58,214 | 8,056 |
| 2. Beatrice | $174,765 | $925 | 22.7% lower⬇️ | $49,537 | 12,262 |
| 3. Holdrege | $171,479 | $1,025 | 18.9% lower⬇️ | $58,375 | 5,542 |
| 4. Scottsbluff | $175,166 | $825 | 17.9% lower⬇️ | $55,744 | 14,305 |
| 5. McCook | $175,356 | $600 | 23% lower⬇️ | $53,750 | 7,253 |
| 6. Lexington | $186,566 | $737 | 21.9% lower⬇️ | $63,939 | 10,816 |
| 7. Hastings | $188,148 | $1,300 | 20.6% lower⬇️ | $57,554 | 24,896 |
| 8. North Platte | $194,207 | $1,100 | 18% lower⬇️ | $56,890 | 22,523 |
| 9. Grand Island | $239,971 | $1,400 | 16.3% lower⬇️ | $59,061 | 52,622 |
| 10. Blair | $333,951 | $700 | 8.3% lower⬇️ | $74,058 | 7,967 |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Nebraska
Here’s our list of 10 cities that offer affordable living options in the Cornhusker State:
#1 Alliance
- Median house rent is $985 | Rental prices range between $575 and $985.
- Median home value of Alliance is $165,842.
- Cost of living in Alliance is 23.2% cheaper than the national average.
Alliance is the most affordable place to live in Nebraska. With a 16.9% crime rate, much below the national average, it is ideal for families. Transport also costs 40% lower than the US median. Besides, Carhenge is a popular attraction among tourists and residents alike. It is a Stonehenge replica assembled from 38 vehicles.
» Alliance Homes for Sale: Find affordable housing in Alliance.
#2 Beatrice
- Median house rent is $925 | Rental prices range between $450 and $1,350.
- Median home value of Beatrice is $174,765.
- Cost of living in Beatrice is 22.7% cheaper than the national average.
Beatrice offers an easygoing lifestyle, where groceries cost 5.5% lower than the national average. It also has ample access to urban amenities owing to its proximity to major cities like Lincoln and Omaha. This makes it ideal for retirees and senior citizens. Besides, the Homestead National Monument is a serene recreational spot popular among locals.
» Beatrice Homes for Sale: Browse thousands of property listings in Beatrice.
#3 Holdrege
- Median house rent is $1,025 | Rental prices range between $825 and $1,025.
- Median home value of Holdrege is $171,479.
- Cost of living in Holdrege is 18.9% cheaper than the national average.
Holdrege functions as the county seat of Phelps County, housing important civic bodies like the City Council and Planning Commission. This highlights its importance in local governance. It is also one of the cheapest cities to live in the State. Popular recreational spots include the Nebraska Prairie Museum and the Tassel Performing Arts Center.
» Holdrege Homes for Sale: Find cheap houses for sale in Nebraska
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#4 Scottsbluff
- Median house rent is $825 | Rental prices range between $575 and $1,100.
- Median home value of Scottsbluff is $175,166.
- Cost of living in Scottsbluff is 17.9% cheaper than the national average.
Housing in Scottsbluff is 53% cheaper than the US median. It is also home to top colleges and universities like Western Nebraska Community College and the University of Nebraska. It also offers a range of outdoor activities like fishing and camping in the North Platte River. The low living costs and ample scope for recreation make it ideal for young adults.
» Scottsbluff Homes for Sale: Explore Homes in one of the cheapest cities in Nebraska.
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#5 McCook
- Median house rent is $600 | Rental prices range between $450 and $975.
- Median home value of McCook is $175,356.
- Cost of living in McCook is 23% cheaper than the national average.
The average housing price in McCook is 57.2% lower than the national average. Groceries also cost 6.6% less, which provides a comfortable lifestyle. During the summer, residents revel in festivals like Music on Main Street and the County Fair. Football and basketball events are frequent, which makes it ideal for students and young adults
» McCook Homes for Sale: Browse through thousands of affordable homes in McCook.
#6 Lexington
- Median house rent is $737 | Rental prices range between $645 and $1,225.
- Median home value of Lexington is $186,566.
- Cost of living in Lexington is 21.9% cheaper than the national average.
You can comfortably live in Lexington with an average household income of $29,880. Located in Dawson County, Lexington is renowned for its historical landmarks. This includes the Fort McPherson Historic Site and the Taluran Museum & Archives. Orthman and Tri-County Hospital are the top employers in this city.
» Lexington Homes for Sale: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Nebraska.
#7 Hastings
- Median house rent is $1,300 | Rental prices range between $500 and $1,800
- Median home value of Hastings is $188,148.
- Cost of living in Hastings is 20.6% cheaper than the national average.
Hastings is a cheap city in Nebraska, with monthly utility costs 11.4% lower than the US average. It is also home to one of the top-rated schools in the county, the Hastings Public School. Besides, the city provides scenic views of Harlan County Lake and Medicine Creek Lake. These lakes also offer several water-based activities for residents.
» Hastings Homes for Sale: Find yourself a home in this lakeside city.
#8 North Platte
- Median house rent is $1,100 | Rental prices range between $475 and $2,500
- Median home value of North Platte is $194,207.
- Cost of living in North Platte is 18% cheaper than the national average.
This quaint city in the heart of the Great Plains provides a much sought-after lifestyle away from urban frenzy. Housing and grocery costs are also ~10% lower than the national average. Additionally, Nebraskaland Days is a popular annual festival with parades and art shows. It also offers breathtaking views of the migratory Sandhill Cranes.
» North Platte Homes for Sale: Check out the cheapest places to live in North Platte.
#9 Grand Island
- Median house rent is $1,400 | Rental prices range between $725 and $3,000
- Median home value of Grand Island is $239,971.
- Cost of living in Grand Island is 16.3% cheaper than the national average.
Grand Island is one of the most affordable places to live in Nebraska. Stolley Park and George Clayton Hall County Park are two popular open spaces maintained by the city. With an annual 7.42% growth in jobs, the city fares well among those seeking employment opportunities. Chief Industries and Kw are two major local employers.
» Grand Island Homes for Sale: Browse homes for sale in Grand Island.
#10 Blair
- Median house rent is $700 | Rental prices range between $700 and $1,699
- Median home value of Blair is $333,951.
- Cost of living in Blair is 8.3% cheaper than the national average.
Housing in Blair costs 22.9% less than the national average. The city is home to Dana College, which is well-known for its picturesque campus. Outdoor activities, like fishing on the Missouri River and birdwatching at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, are popular among residents and visitors alike. These factors make it ideal for young adults.
» Blair Homes for Sale: Explore cheap houses in Blair, Nebraska.
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Nebraska?
You will find cheap houses for sale in Nebraska under 150K in cities like Alliance, Beatrice, and McCook. They offer stable job opportunities, and the cost of living is more affordable than other South Dakota cities.
Cities like Grand Island and Blair are slightly expensive but provide better job opportunities. You must research the home prices and living costs. Also, getting a mortgage pre-approval helps you stand out in the competition before buying a house in Nebraska.
📢 Check Out Budget-Friendly Homes for Sale in Nebraska
Here are a few options of cheap houses for sale in NE.
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To rank the top cities in Nebraska, we analyzed all the regions, evaluating them based on specific criteria. Below is a breakdown of the factors used and the sources of information that informed our rankings.
- Population: World Population Review [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow [2]
- Median Rent: Zillow [3]
- Cost of Living: Rent Cafe [4]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest place to live in Nebraska?
The cheapest place to live in Nebraska is Alliance. It offers affordable transportation, which is 23.9% lower than the state average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Nebraska: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Nebraska.
Is it cheap to live in Nebraska?
No, it is not. The median home value is $259,443. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
Where is the best place to live in Nebraska?
The best place to live in Nebraska is Lexington, followed by North Platte, McCook, Grand Island, York, Schuyler and South Sioux City.
Which Nebraska has the lowest cost of living?
Alliance has the lowest cost of living, which is 23.2% and 12.5% lower than the national and state average, respectively.
