| Index | Kearney | Nebraska | National |
| Cost of living | 98 | 91 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 97 | 100 |
| Health care | 98 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 98 | 76 | 100 |
| Transportation | 97 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 94 | 96 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 100 | 97 | 100 |
| Household Items | 98 | 98 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 95 | 96 | 100 |
Knowing the cost of living in Kearney allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Kearney stands at 98, marking it 2% lower than the national average.
In Kearney, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Kearney will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 102 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Kearney. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 76% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 24% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.
Is Kearney affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Kearney, for instance, where the median home price falls 4% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 17.1% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Kearney flaunting a median household income of $92,300, 13.5% higher than the national norm.
Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Kearney, the general sales tax rate starts at 5.5%, and income tax rates begin at 2.46%.
Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Kearney, the groceries index registers 0% equal to the national average.
Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Kearney 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.
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| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $125,441 | $10,453 | $2,927 | $3,764 |
| Renters | $47,769 | $3,981 | $1,115 | $1,433 |
| 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. |
| Odessa, NE | 59 | 82 | 18.0% |
| Amherst, NE | 178 | 87 | 13.3% |
| Riverdale, NE | 317 | 89 | 11.1% |
| Gibbon, NE | 2,026 | 90 | 10.1% |
| Minden, NE | 2,970 | 92 | 7.9% |
| Kearney, NE | 34,543 | 98 | 2.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| DeLand, FL | 34,541 | 107 | 7.1% |
| Dalton, GA | 34,537 | 94 | 6.1% |
| Franklin Town, MA | 34,557 | 144 | 43.9% |
| Alabaster, AL | 34,559 | 98 | 1.9% |
| Central Islip, NY | 34,526 | 128 | 28.1% |
| Kearney, NE | 34,543 | 98 | 2.3% |
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