Moving to Nebraska? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Nebraska is located in the Great Plains region of the midwestern United States. The state is home to varied natural landscapes, from the dunes of the Sandhills and the Panhandle’s rock formations.

If you are considering moving to Nebraska, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Nebraska Facts:

Population: 1.960 million (2021)
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $74,000 (2021)
Random Fact: Nebraska is known as the “Cornhusker State”, harking back to their history of husking corn by hand.
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Nebraska

From State	Estimated Cost
California	$3,600 – $5,800
Texas	$2,800 – $4,600
Florida	$3,900 – $6,100
New York	$4,100 – $6,500
Pennsylvania	$3,700 – $5,900
Illinois	$3,200 – $5,000
Ohio	$3,000 – $4,800
Georgia	$3,500 – $5,700
North Carolina	$3,600 – $5,800
Michigan	$3,400 – $5,600

2. Nebraska Housing Costs

Urban centres like Omaha and Lincoln generally have higher housing costs due to increased demand and amenities, while smaller towns or suburban areas may offer more affordable options for renters and buyers seeking a quieter lifestyle and a lower cost of living.

Monthly Rental Prices in Nebraska:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $990+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $890+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $2,500+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,500+

Nebraska Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Nebraska compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 51.7% more expensive
New York is 66.4% more expensive
Los Angeles is 52.8% more expensive
Toronto is 31.9% more expensive
Sydney is 43.4% more expensive
Paris is 18.6% more expensive
Dubai is 32.5% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: SpareRoom and iRoommates.
Different Areas – Different Prices: Omaha is a vibrant district that features a mix of upscale residential areas, trendy restaurants, high-end shopping, and entertainment venues. Westerville is another uptown area that offers a charming small-town atmosphere with historic buildings, local shops, and community events. For downtown areas, the district of Grand Island features a blend of historic buildings, locally owned businesses, and a lively arts scene. It hosts events, and farmers’ markets, and offers a range of dining experiences.

3. Nebraska Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

A famous food to be aware of in Nebraska is the “Runza,” a handheld meat-filled pastry that typically consists of a yeast dough filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and cabbage. Another notable dish is the “Nebraska-style steak,” known for its high-quality beef sourced from the state’s ranches, showcasing the region’s agricultural heritage.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $15.00
Takeout Coffee: $4.00
Bottle of Coke: $1.80
1L of Milk: $1.00
Loaf of Bread: $2.20
12 Eggs: $4.30
1kg Chicken: $10.00
1kg Beef: $12.60
1kg Apples: $3.70
1kg White Rice: $2.80

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 32.7% more expensive and groceries are 2.1% cheaper than Nebraska.
New York restaurants are 35.4% more expensive and groceries are 39.1% more expensive than Nebraska.
Los Angeles restaurants are 32.5% more expensive and groceries are 23.9% more expensive than Nebraska.
Toronto restaurants are 13.1% more expensive and groceries are 11.6% more expensive than Nebraska.
Sydney restaurants are 17.1% more expensive and groceries are 22% more expensive than Nebraska.
Paris restaurants are 9.1% more expensive and groceries are 19.9% more expensive than Nebraska.
Dubai restaurants are 7.5% more expensive and groceries are 23.4% cheaper than Nebraska.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: Nebraska boasts a vibrant farmers’ market scene, with numerous markets spread across the state offering a diverse range of locally grown produce, artisanal products, and homemade goods. In terms of supermarkets, Walmart and Aldi provide budget-friendly grocery options, whereas higher-end supermarkets like Whole Foods and Hy-Vee offer a wider selection of organic and speciality products.
Find Cheap Eats: Nebraska has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. Nebraska Alcohol Costs

Nebraska, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $4.00
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $6.00
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $2.20
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $3.00
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $13.00

How To Drink For Less in Nebraska:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Take a look at Yelp.

5. Nebraska Transportation Fares

Nebraska’s transportation mostly relies on bus services in major cities like Omaha and Lincoln. It’s good to note that the public transportation options may be more limited compared to larger urban areas.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

Adult single – $1.25
One-day ticket – $5.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $20.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Nebraska

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The average yearly temperature in Nebraska ranges from around 7 to 14 degrees Celsius. The coldest month is typically January, with average temperatures ranging from -8 to -2 degrees Celsius, while the hottest month is typically July, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 33 degrees Celsius. The wettest month varies across the state, but generally, June tends to be the wettest month with average levels ranging from 76 to 114 millimetres.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $48.00
Summer Dress: $22.50
Running Shoes (Trainers): $80.00
Business Shoes: $86.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $50.00
Deodorant: $3.50
Shampoo: $3.00
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $3.00
Gym Membership: $80.00
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $11.00

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Nebraska

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Nebraska. The rush hour is nowhere near as long as bad as other cities around the world. If you’re moving to Nebraska from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Nebraska:

Volkswagen Golf: $24,000+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.86

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Nebraska:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try CarpoolWorld.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Nebraska

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

Nebraska’s sales tax consists of a state sales tax and a local sales tax. The state sales tax rate in Nebraska is 5.5%. However, local jurisdictions have the authority to impose additional sales taxes, which typically range from 6% to 7.5%, depending on the specific location.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Nebraska at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Nebraska you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from Nebraska

If you do make the move to Nebraska, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of mid-2023:

London: $600
New York: $160
Los Angeles: $120
Toronto: $160
Vancouver: $200
Dubai: $750
Sydney: $1,200
Melbourne: $1,000
Cape Town: $1,180
Hong Kong: $1,120

Other Tips on Moving to Nebraska:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Nebraska but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Nebraska Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Nebraska.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
Attend Local Events: Nebraska always has something going on. Have a look at Visit Nebraska.

12. Moving to Nebraska with a Family

Nebraska as a whole tends to have a lower crime rate compared to the national average. The state has a strong sense of community and is known for its safe and friendly environment, making it a good place to raise a family.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at Nebraska Medicine.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: There are plenty of family-friendly locations throughout Nebraska. Omaha provides a range of family-oriented amenities, with excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities. The capital city of Nebraska, Lincoln, is also known for its strong sense of community and family-friendly environment. Bellevue is another family-friendly area in Nebraska, having a strong community spirit, good schools, and numerous parks and playgrounds.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Nebraska. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Trip Advisor.

13. Moving to Nebraska for Work

While it is possible to move to Nebraska without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Nebraska’s main industries include agriculture, manufacturing, services, and information technology, with agriculture playing a significant role, as the state is a major producer of corn, soybeans, beef, and pork. As of late 2021, Nebraska’s unemployment was rate relatively low compared to the national average.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale for the specific state.
How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Nebraska, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Nebraska from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Nebraska, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: The state of Victoria is close in size to Nebraska.
Join Expat Groups: There are so few Australians in Nebraska that there isn’t a dedicated site. However, you can always start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Nebraska from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Nebraska. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: The province of Manitoba has an area similar to that of Nebraska.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Nebraska from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Nebraska. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size: The entire land area of the United Kingdom is only slightly larger than the entire state of Nebraska.
Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Nebraska, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Nebraska you can start by comparing moving quotes here.