Best Affordable Places to Live in Nebraska in 2025
By Rebecca Lake
(Last Updated – 03/2025)
Nebraska, in America’s heartland, is known for being home to vast cornfields, Warren Buffett, and the College Baseball World Series. About two million people live here, with more newcomers arriving each year. What attracts people to the Cornhusker State?
A low cost of living is at the top of the list, along with moderately priced homes and property taxes that won’t break the bank — not to mention beautiful scenery and friendly people. If you’re looking for the best places in Nebraska to live on a budget, read on to learn which cities stand out the most.
Best Places to Live in Nebraska
Nebraska offers plenty of variety for those seeking to make a home here, from larger cities like Omaha to smaller, lesser-known spots. If you’re on the hunt for an affordable place to live, comparing the cost of living by state is a good place to start. Nebraska falls below the national average cost of living, which can appeal to families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
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Best Affordable Places to Live in Nebraska
To find the best affordable places to live in Nebraska, we examined the overall cost of living, which includes things like housing, food, transportation, and household expenses. Housing is affordable in the state overall, and first-time homebuyer programs can put property ownership even closer in reach. Check out our picks for the best affordable places overall.
1. Bellevue
Photo credit: Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM , Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic
Bellevue is part of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area and it’s one of the larger suburban spots to make our list of the best places to live in Nebraska. Originally established as a fur-trading post, it’s the oldest continuous settlement in the state and is a thriving city that attracts families, young professionals, and retirees who are looking for convenient access to quality health care.
Population: 63,922
Median Household Income: $87,343
Cost of Living: 90% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,517/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.2
2. Omaha
Photo credit: iStock/Davel5957
Omaha is the most populous city in Nebraska, and its thriving economy is a definite mark in its favor for attracting newcomers. Job opportunities abound, as do local attractions, including the famed Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Parents who move here will appreciate the well-rated school system. Omaha features plenty of affordable rental options, something you don’t always see in a larger city, and the large size of the market and the many homes for sale at all price points means it could be easier to find a place here.
Population: 483,335
Median Household Income: $72,708
Cost of Living: 95% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,495/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.8
3. Kearney
Photo credit: iStock/DenisTangneyJr
Kearney is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in Nebraska. Whether you’re interested in shopping, visiting local historic sites, or immersing yourself in the city’s diverse culture, you can do all of that and more here. Kearney also affords numerous opportunities to spend time outdoors, hiking, biking, kayaking, and canoeing. Completing the mortgage preapproval process can give you an idea of how much you might be able to borrow if you plan to buy.
Population: 34,362
Median Household Income: $69,790
Cost of Living: 86% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,200/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.2
Recommended: Mortgage Prequalification vs. Preapproval: The Differences
Best Places to Live in Nebraska for Families
Raising a family can influence where you choose to live, as you might prioritize renting or buying in an area with good schools and plenty of things for kids to do. These Nebraska cities are the best overall for people with families or those looking to start one.
1. Seward
Photo credit: iStock/BOB WESTON
Seward is part of the Lincoln metro area, which could make it a good fit for families who prefer the suburbs to the busier city. Parents will be happy to hear that the schools are well-regarded. If you’re looking for something fun to do with kids, you can find the world’s largest time capsule located here. If you’re interested in owning a home, researching tips to qualify for a mortgage can make the process of getting a loan easier to navigate.
Population: 7,672
Median Household Income: $70,000
Cost of Living: 89% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,210/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.0
2. Papillion
Photo credit: iStock/Wirestock
Papillion is a suburb of Omaha that’s routinely at the top of ‘best places to live in America’ lists. It offers plenty of family-friendly attractions, and parents appreciate its good-quality schools. French fur traders are reportedly responsible for the town’s name, the French word for butterfly.
Population: 23,791
Median Household Income: $109,602
Cost of Living: 87% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,905/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.6
3. Gering
Photo credit: iStock/LIKE HE
Gering is an outstanding choice for families who are looking for a small-town feel. It’s quiet, there are lots of things to see and do around town with kids, and the cost of living isn’t a dealbreaker. With a home price-to-income ratio of under 3, you aren’t likely to need a jumbo mortgage loan in order to buy.
Population: 8,531
Median Household Income: $70,244
Cost of Living: 82% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,056/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 2.7
Best Places to Live in Nebraska for Young Adults
Cities like Omaha and Lincoln tend to be magnets for recent college grads who are hoping to start their career. If you’re hoping to find your first job — or your next one — these are the Nebraska cities that offer the brightest prospects.
1. Ralston
Ralston is part of the Omaha metro area and it offers many of the things any young professional might value. There’s a vibrant nightlife scene, plenty of parks where you can go for a jog or walk the dog, and the many restaurants and cafes make it a foodie’s dream. Along with those features, Ralston is also an affordable place to live for workers who are trying to do life on an entry-level salary. If this is your first time buying a home, explore the different types of mortgage loans before you go deep with your search.
Population: 6,401
Median Household Income: $65,557
Cost of Living: 91% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $945/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.8
2. Lincoln
Photo credit: iStock/Jacob Boomsma
Lincoln is Nebraska’s second-largest city and its local economy revolves around business, manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation. Entrepreneurship is also encouraged here, and there are more than a few small business owners launching new ventures. The median age of residents is around 33, and the vast majority of residents are single and childless, which could bode well for those seeking to find “the one.”
Population: 294,757
Median Household Income: $69,991
Cost of Living: 93% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,247/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.9
3. La Vista
La Vista is also a suburb of Omaha, and it manages to combine the best of both worlds, in terms of a small-town feel and big-city amenities. Young professionals will find plenty of affordable rental housing here. It’s perfectly situated for a short commute, though there are a good many job opportunities to be had in La Vista if you’re not interested in driving to Omaha.
Population: 16,346
Median Household Income: $78,145
Cost of Living: 93% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,359/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.7
Best Places to Live in Nebraska for Retirees
Good news: Starting in 2025, Nebraska no longer taxes Social Security benefits. These Nebraska cities may be suited for those seeking a lower cost of living in their later years.
1. Beatrice
Photo credit: Flickr/Jasperdo , Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic
Beatrice sits about 40 minutes from Lincoln, making it close enough for day trips to visit doctors, check in on friends, or just go sightseeing. One in five people here is 65 or over. The local senior center regularly sponsors events and activities that are designed to encourage retirees to connect with their community.
Population: 12,262
Median Household Income: $54,583
Cost of Living: 82% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $975/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.1
2. South Sioux City
Photo credit: Flickr/Jerry Huddleston , Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
South Sioux City is uniquely situated along the Nebraska border and sits directly across the Missouri River from Sioux City, Iowa. It’s about halfway between Omaha and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, making it a potentially ideal spot for retirees who want to routinely travel to any of these cities. There’s plenty of local history to soak up as well as numerous scenic trails for stretching your legs. The home price-to-income ratio is low enough to make housing affordable even for seniors living on a fixed income in retirement.
Population: 13,856
Median Household Income: $68,397
Cost of Living: 86% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $950/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.0
3. Sidney
Photo credit: Flickr/Jasperdo , Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic
Sidney is located in western Nebraska, not far from the Colorado and Wyoming borders. It offers the epitome of small-town living and may be perfect for retirees who are looking for a cozy community in which to spend their golden years. The local senior center offers daily activities to help retirees stay active and involved alongside their peers. Sidney has one of the lowest price-to-income ratios on our list, which might make it attractive for retirees who want to own a home.
Population: 6,423
Median Household Income: $51,704
Cost of Living: 78% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,300/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 2.9
💡 Quick Tip: If you refinance your mortgage and shorten your loan term, you could save a substantial amount in interest over the lifetime of the loan.
Best Places to Live in Nebraska Near the Water
Nebraska has its fair share of man-made beaches as well as rivers and creeks for those who like spending time on the water. Here are some of the most affordable places to settle.
1. Burwell
Burwell is a hotspot for those who enjoy boating, fishing, skiing, and other water sports. The Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area is perfect for a weekend camping trip and there are 31 miles of sandy beaches to lounge on (though, because there are no lifeguards on duty, swimming is at your own risk).
Population: 1,020
Median Household Income: $64,821
Cost of Living: 77% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: N/A
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.9
2. Fremont
Photo credit: iStock/Wirestock
Fremont could be a dream place to live for anyone who loves being close to the water. Fremont Lakes State Park is where you’ll find residents boating, swimming, camping, and picnicking when the weather is nice. If that’s not exciting enough, you can book an airboat tour along the Platte River, which is a great opportunity to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. Unsure whether it makes sense to switch from renting to buying? Visit the home loan help center to learn more about how the process works.
Population: 27,602
Median Household Income: $67,179
Cost of Living: 89% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,375/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.4
3. Grand Island
Photo credit: iStock/Jacob Boomsma
Grand Island is also close to the Platte River, but there are other ways to enjoy the water here. For example, if you have kids, you might take them to the Island Oasis Water Park for some splashy fun. In the spring, you can observe the migration of the sandhill cranes, which draws over one million waterfowl to the area.
Population: 52,622
Median Household Income: $62,439
Cost of Living: 85% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,250/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.9
The Takeaway
Nebraska could certainly make it to your shortlist if you’re looking for an affordable place to live. When deciding which city or town might be best, consider what’s most important to you. All of the places we’ve recommended have a cost of living that’s below the national average, but some are less expensive than others. Housing costs aside, think about what else is a must-have, whether it’s dining, nightlife, shopping, or plenty of green spaces.
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FAQ
Is Nebraska a good place to live for 2025?
Nebraska is a good place to live if you’re looking for affordable housing and a low cost of living. Rent prices are well below the national median in most areas of the state, and there are plenty of homes listed for sale at reasonable prices.
Where is the most beautiful place to live in Nebraska?
Papillon has a reputation for being one of the most scenic places to live in Nebraska. There are plenty of outdoor areas where residents can enjoy nature, and the city has a calm, peaceful vibe.
Where is the cheapest and nicest place to live in Nebraska?
Gering ranks as one of the least expensive and nicest cities to live in Nebraska. It’s a small town, but if you don’t mind that, you’ll enjoy the quaint feel and the low cost of living.
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