Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Nebraska's overall cost of living index is about 89.5, meaning it costs less than the national average to live there.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Nebraska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 90.1 | 100 |
- •Omaha and Lincoln are both consistently ranked among the most affordable mid-size metro areas in the U.S.
Housing Costs
Housing is one of Nebraska's biggest affordability advantages, with a housing cost index of roughly 78.2, well below the national benchmark.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Nebraska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 75.2 | 100 |
- •Median home values in Omaha remain far below those of comparable Midwestern metros like Minneapolis or Kansas City.
Utility Costs
Nebraska utility costs run slightly above the national average, with an index near 96 driven by summer cooling and winter heating demand.
Electricity price per kWh (Midwest region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU020072610).
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
| Indicator | Nebraska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 75.6 | 100 |
- •Nebraska is the only state in the U.S. served entirely by publicly owned electric utilities.
Food Costs
Nebraska grocery costs run about 6% below the U.S. average, aided by its position as a major agricultural producer.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
Food price index (Midwest region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, Midwest region, annual average (CUUR0200SAF1).
| Indicator | Nebraska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 94.1 | 100 |
- •Nebraska is one of the top beef-producing states in the country, which helps keep local meat prices competitive.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in Nebraska sit close to the national average, with an index of about 98.9.
Medical care price index (Midwest region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, Midwest region, annual average (CUUR0200SAM).
- •Nebraska Medicine in Omaha is a major regional referral hospital serving several surrounding states.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in Nebraska are near the national average, at about a 96.5 index, helped by short commute times.
Regular gasoline price
1993–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Midwest region (PADD 2), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R20_DPG).
| Indicator | Nebraska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.11 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
- •Nebraska's average commute of under 19 minutes is among the shortest of any U.S. state.