Cost of Living in Ralston, NE
Population 6,445 · Nebraska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Ralston offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $216,000 — costs less than 3.3 times median household income of $65,557, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. An unemployment rate of 2.2% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Ralston is part of the immediate Omaha metro area — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Omaha's $230,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ralston
The median home value in Ralston is $215,800 — 29% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,178/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,557/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, 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, Ralston has a cost of living index of 78 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% less expensive.
Ralston has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 Ralston, NE?
Ralston has a cost index of 78 (100 = national average). It is 22% below the national average.
What is average rent in Ralston, NE?
The median gross rent in Ralston is $1,178 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ralston?
The median home value in Ralston is $215,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ralston?
The median household income in Ralston is $65,557 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ralston, NE?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ralston is 6.9%. The Nebraska state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Ralston, NE affordable?
Yes, Ralston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 78 — about 22% below the US national average of 100.
Ralston at a Glance
- Population
- 6,445
- Median Income
- $65,557
- Home Value
- $215,800
- Median Rent
- $1,178/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.2%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Nebraska Rankings
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