Cost of Living in Beatrice, NE
Population 12,233 · Nebraska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Beatrice sits on the smaller end of the Nebraska city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Beatrice is about 35 miles south of Lincoln, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Lincoln's $248,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Beatrice
The median home value in Beatrice is $152,900 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $753/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,583/year is 27% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Nebraska's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. Overall, Beatrice has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Beatrice, NE?
Beatrice has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.
What is average rent in Beatrice, NE?
The median gross rent in Beatrice is $753 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Beatrice?
The median home value in Beatrice is $152,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Beatrice?
The median household income in Beatrice is $54,583 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Beatrice, NE?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Beatrice is 6.9%. The Nebraska state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Beatrice, NE affordable?
Yes, Beatrice is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.
Beatrice at a Glance
- Population
- 12,233
- Median Income
- $54,583
- Home Value
- $152,900
- Median Rent
- $753/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.0%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Nebraska Rankings
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Cities in other states with comparable housing costs