Cost of Living in Norfolk, NE
Population 25,962 · Nebraska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Norfolk cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $199,000, rents near $850 a month. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Norfolk lies roughly 90 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Omaha — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 13% lower than Omaha's $230,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Norfolk
The median home value in Norfolk is $199,100 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $850/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,175/year is 17% 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, Norfolk has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% 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 Norfolk, NE?
Norfolk has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.
What is average rent in Norfolk, NE?
The median gross rent in Norfolk is $850 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Norfolk?
The median home value in Norfolk is $199,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Norfolk?
The median household income in Norfolk is $62,175 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Norfolk, NE?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Norfolk is 6.9%. The Nebraska state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Norfolk, NE affordable?
Yes, Norfolk is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.
Norfolk at a Glance
- Population
- 25,962
- Median Income
- $62,175
- Home Value
- $199,100
- Median Rent
- $850/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.7%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Nebraska Rankings
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