| Index | Hastings | Nebraska | National |
| Cost of living | 89 | 91 | 100 |
| Groceries | 95 | 97 | 100 |
| Health care | 96 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 73 | 76 | 100 |
| Transportation | 97 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 96 | 96 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 95 | 97 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 90 | 96 | 100 |

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.
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 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.
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.
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 index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| 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 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Nebraska | 5.5% | 7.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Nebraska | 2.46% | 6.64% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Inland, NE | 0 | 96 | 4.5% |
| Prosser, NE | 118 | 79 | 21.4% |
| Holstein, NE | 286 | 83 | 17.4% |
| Glenvil, NE | 394 | 82 | 18.0% |
| Ayr, NE | 112 | 82 | 17.7% |
| Hastings, NE | 25,424 | 89 | 11.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Emporia, KS | 25,435 | 85 | 15.0% |
| Riverbank, CA | 25,441 | 131 | 31.0% |
| Rosemount, MN | 25,406 | 118 | 17.9% |
| Hazleton, PA | 25,442 | 89 | 10.9% |
| Fort Washington, MD | 25,402 | 138 | 37.8% |
| Hastings, NE | 25,424 | 89 | 11.3% |