A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
27%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Hastings Nebraska National
Cost of living8991100
Groceries9597100
Health care9698100
Housing7376100
Transportation9799100
Utilities9696100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9597100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare9096100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Hastings, NE

The cost of living in Hastings affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Hastings is 89, which is 11% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Hastings?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 118 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Hastings. The feedback revealed that 81% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 19% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Hastings Affordable?

Is Hastings an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Hastings is 29.5% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 22.2% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Hastings has a median household income of $79,586, which is 2.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Hastings?

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Hastings, is 27.3% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Hastings, the utilities index registers at 4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Hastings are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Hastings is 3% lower than the Nebraska average
  • The cost of living in Hastings is 11% lower than the national average
  • Hastings housing is 27% lower than the national average
  • Nebraska general sales tax is 8% higher than the national average
  • Nebraska state income tax is 5% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Hastings

See all the best places to live around Hastings

Compare Hastings, NE Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$106,527$8,877$2,485$3,196
      Renters$43,337$3,611$1,011$1,300
      The affordability of the housing market in Hastings, NE as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Hastings homeowners, the median income is $106,527. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,485 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $43,337. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,011 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Nebraska Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Nebraska 5.5% 7.5%

      Nebraska Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Nebraska 2.46% 6.64%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Inland, NE0964.5%
      Prosser, NE1187921.4%
      Holstein, NE2868317.4%
      Glenvil, NE3948218.0%
      Ayr, NE1128217.7%
      Hastings, NE25,4248911.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Emporia, KS25,4358515.0%
      Riverbank, CA25,44113131.0%
      Rosemount, MN25,40611817.9%
      Hazleton, PA25,4428910.9%
      Fort Washington, MD25,40213837.8%
      Hastings, NE25,4248911.3%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.