Cost of Living in Hastings, NE
Population 25,005 · Nebraska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Hastings cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $177,000, rents near $858 a month. An unemployment rate of 2.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Hastings lies roughly 90 miles west of the nearest major metro, Lincoln — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Lincoln's $248,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Hastings
The median home value in Hastings is $177,200 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $858/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,202/year is 18% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, 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, Hastings has a cost of living index of 61 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% 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 Hastings, NE?
Hastings has a cost index of 61 (100 = national average). It is 39% below the national average.
What is average rent in Hastings, NE?
The median gross rent in Hastings is $858 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hastings?
The median home value in Hastings is $177,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hastings?
The median household income in Hastings is $61,202 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hastings, NE?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hastings is 6.9%. The Nebraska state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Hastings, NE affordable?
Yes, Hastings is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 61 — about 39% below the US national average of 100.
Hastings at a Glance
- Population
- 25,005
- Median Income
- $61,202
- Home Value
- $177,200
- Median Rent
- $858/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.7%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Nebraska Rankings
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