Cost of Living in Central City, NE
Population 3,039 · Nebraska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Central City a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $158,000. An unemployment rate of 0.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 70 miles west of Lincoln, Central City is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 36% lower than Lincoln's $248,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Central City
The median home value in Central City is $158,300 — 48% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $729/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,012/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.0%, 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, Central City has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.
Central City has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Central City, NE?
Central City has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.
What is average rent in Central City, NE?
The median gross rent in Central City is $729 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Central City?
The median home value in Central City is $158,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Central City?
The median household income in Central City is $62,012 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Central City, NE?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Central City is 6.9%. The Nebraska state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Central City, NE affordable?
Yes, Central City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.
Central City at a Glance
- Population
- 3,039
- Median Income
- $62,012
- Home Value
- $158,300
- Median Rent
- $729/mo
- Unemployment
- 0.0%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Nebraska Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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