Cost of Living in Gothenburg, NE

Population 3,436 · Nebraska · Data vintage 2023

60
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Gothenburg offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $173,000 — costs less than 2.2 times median household income of $79,519, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.3% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Gothenburg lies roughly 180 miles west of the nearest major metro, Lincoln. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Lincoln's $248,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 57
Rent 64

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Gothenburg

The median home value in Gothenburg is $173,200 — 43% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $838/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $79,519/year is 7% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.3%, 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, Gothenburg has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$173,200
43% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,156,953
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$838/mo
36% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$622
1 BR
$703
2 BR
$907
3 BR
$1,155
4 BR
$1,220
Owner-occupied 69.2%
Renter-occupied 30.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$838
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,452/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
16.8 min
38% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
2.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.6%
Carpooled
8.6%
Walked
4.3%
Bicycle
0.7%
Work from home
2.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 6.9%
State rate 5.5%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$79,519
7% above avg
Per Capita Income
$42,337
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
53% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.0%
Labor Force Participation
69.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.8%
Graduate degree 6.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.6
Male median age 44.1
Female median age 37.1

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.8:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
880
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Gothenburg, NE?

Gothenburg has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.

What is average rent in Gothenburg, NE?

The median gross rent in Gothenburg is $838 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Gothenburg?

The median home value in Gothenburg is $173,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Gothenburg?

The median household income in Gothenburg is $79,519 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Gothenburg, NE?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Gothenburg is 6.9%. The Nebraska state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Gothenburg, NE affordable?

Yes, Gothenburg is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.

Gothenburg at a Glance

Population
3,436
Median Income
$79,519
Home Value
$173,200
Median Rent
$838/mo
Unemployment
2.3%
Sales Tax
6.9%
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