Cost of Living in Grand Island, NE
Population 52,761 · Nebraska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Grand Island cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $203,000, rents near $913 a month.
Geographically, Grand Island lies roughly 90 miles west of the nearest major metro, Lincoln. Median home values run roughly 18% lower than Lincoln's $248,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Grand Island
The median home value in Grand Island is $202,600 — 34% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $913/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,439/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%, 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, Grand Island has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% 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 Grand Island, NE?
Grand Island has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.
What is average rent in Grand Island, NE?
The median gross rent in Grand Island is $913 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Grand Island?
The median home value in Grand Island is $202,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Grand Island?
The median household income in Grand Island is $62,439 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Grand Island, NE?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Grand Island is 6.9%. The Nebraska state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Grand Island, NE affordable?
Yes, Grand Island is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.
Grand Island at a Glance
- Population
- 52,761
- Median Income
- $62,439
- Home Value
- $202,600
- Median Rent
- $913/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.6%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Nebraska Rankings
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