Cost of Living in Columbus, NE
Population 24,188 · Nebraska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Columbus offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $199,000 — costs less than 3 times median household income of $67,212, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. An unemployment rate of 3.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 55 miles northwest of Lincoln, Columbus is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 20% lower than Lincoln's $248,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Columbus
The median home value in Columbus is $198,900 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $871/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $67,212/year is 10% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, 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, Columbus has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Columbus, NE?
Columbus has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.
What is average rent in Columbus, NE?
The median gross rent in Columbus is $871 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus is $198,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus is $67,212 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Columbus, NE?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Columbus is 6.9%. The Nebraska state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Columbus, NE affordable?
Yes, Columbus is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.
Columbus at a Glance
- Population
- 24,188
- Median Income
- $67,212
- Home Value
- $198,900
- Median Rent
- $871/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.0%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Nebraska Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs