Cost of Living in Sidney, NE

Population 6,396 · Nebraska · Data vintage 2023

55
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Sidney a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $137,000. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.4% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Sidney lies roughly 105 miles east of the nearest major metro, Greeley. Median home values run roughly 63% lower than Greeley's $370,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 45
Rent 70

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Sidney

The median home value in Sidney is $137,300 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $914/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,704/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.4%, 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, Sidney has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$137,300
55% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$505,806
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$914/mo
30% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$622
1 BR
$703
2 BR
$907
3 BR
$1,155
4 BR
$1,220
Owner-occupied 57.6%
Renter-occupied 42.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$914
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,528/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
13.3 min
51% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.1%
Carpooled
7.9%
Walked
5.9%
Bicycle
0.4%
Work from home
8.4%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 6.9%
State rate 5.5%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$51,704
31% below avg
Per Capita Income
$30,679
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
50% below avg
Poverty Rate
12.1%
Labor Force Participation
64.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.1%
Graduate degree 7.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.9
Male median age 39.6
Female median age 40.1

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.9:1
Student-teacher ratio
7
Public schools
1,371
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Sidney, NE?

Sidney has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.

What is average rent in Sidney, NE?

The median gross rent in Sidney is $914 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Sidney?

The median home value in Sidney is $137,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Sidney?

The median household income in Sidney is $51,704 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Sidney, NE?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sidney is 6.9%. The Nebraska state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Sidney, NE affordable?

Yes, Sidney is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.

Sidney at a Glance

Population
6,396
Median Income
$51,704
Home Value
$137,300
Median Rent
$914/mo
Unemployment
2.4%
Sales Tax
6.9%
View all cities in Nebraska →
🗺️ County data for Nebraska

Explore county-level cost of living data

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