Cost of Living in Scottsbluff, NE
Population 14,406 · Nebraska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Scottsbluff is a smaller Nebraska community of around 14000 residents, where median household incomes of $53,448 and housing costs ($141,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Located 115 miles northeast of Greeley, Scottsbluff is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 62% lower than Greeley's $370,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Scottsbluff
The median home value in Scottsbluff is $141,300 — 54% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $966/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,448/year is 28% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, 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, Scottsbluff has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% 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 Scottsbluff, NE?
Scottsbluff has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.
What is average rent in Scottsbluff, NE?
The median gross rent in Scottsbluff is $966 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Scottsbluff?
The median home value in Scottsbluff is $141,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Scottsbluff?
The median household income in Scottsbluff is $53,448 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Scottsbluff, NE?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Scottsbluff is 6.9%. The Nebraska state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Scottsbluff, NE affordable?
Yes, Scottsbluff is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.
Scottsbluff at a Glance
- Population
- 14,406
- Median Income
- $53,448
- Home Value
- $141,300
- Median Rent
- $966/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.7%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Nebraska Rankings
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