Cost of Living in Seward, NE
Population 7,665 · Nebraska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Seward sits on the smaller end of the Nebraska city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. An unemployment rate of 1.5% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Seward sits roughly 25 miles west of Lincoln — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. 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 Seward
The median home value in Seward is $232,500 — 24% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $986/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,000/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.5%, 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, Seward has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% less expensive.
Seward 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Seward, NE?
Seward has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.
What is average rent in Seward, NE?
The median gross rent in Seward is $986 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Seward?
The median home value in Seward is $232,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Seward?
The median household income in Seward is $70,000 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Seward, NE?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Seward is 6.9%. The Nebraska state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Seward, NE affordable?
Yes, Seward is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.
Seward at a Glance
- Population
- 7,665
- Median Income
- $70,000
- Home Value
- $232,500
- Median Rent
- $986/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.5%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Nebraska Rankings
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