Cost of Living in Kearney, NE
Population 34,024 · Nebraska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Kearney cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $236,000, rents near $922 a month.
Located 125 miles west of Lincoln, Kearney is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Housing prices track closely with Lincoln's $248,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kearney
The median home value in Kearney is $235,800 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $922/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,790/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, 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, Kearney has a cost of living index of 74 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% 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 Kearney, NE?
Kearney has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.
What is average rent in Kearney, NE?
The median gross rent in Kearney is $922 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kearney?
The median home value in Kearney is $235,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Kearney?
The median household income in Kearney is $69,790 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kearney, NE?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kearney is 6.9%. The Nebraska state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Kearney, NE affordable?
Yes, Kearney is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 74 — about 26% below the US national average of 100.
Kearney at a Glance
- Population
- 34,024
- Median Income
- $69,790
- Home Value
- $235,800
- Median Rent
- $922/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.2%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
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Nebraska Rankings
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