A
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
17%
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 Papillion Nebraska National
Cost of living10491100
Groceries9597100
Health care9998100
Housing11776100
Transportation9999100
Utilities9996100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9897100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare9796100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Papillion, NE

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Papillion is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Papillion is 104, which is 4% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Papillion are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Papillion can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

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

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 10 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Papillion and this is how they responded. 80% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 20% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Papillion Affordable?

Wondering if Papillion is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Papillion, for example, the median home price is 24.4% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 1% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Papillion boasting a median household income of $135,185, which is 66.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Papillion?

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Papillion, the transportation index is 0.7% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Papillion, the housing index stands at 17.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Papillion cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Papillion is 14% higher than the Nebraska average
  • The cost of living in Papillion is 4% higher than the national average
  • Papillion housing is 17% higher 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 Papillion

See all the best places to live around Papillion

Compare Papillion, NE Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$168,635$14,053$3,935$5,060
      Renters$69,336$5,778$1,618$2,080
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Papillion, NE, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Papillion homeowners, is $168,635. This would allow for a maximum of $3,935 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $69,336 which would result in a maximum of $1,618 to be spent on rental 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.
      Richfield, NE14982.3%
      King Lake, NE40991.2%
      Boys Town, NE873991.2%
      La Platte, NE139982.3%
      South Bend, NE1128812.3%
      Papillion, NE24,9051043.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Arnold, MD24,89914444.2%
      North Potomac, MD24,91617474.3%
      San Benito, TX24,9208217.8%
      Bridgeton, NJ24,8831010.6%
      Sturgeon County, AB24,881n/a 
      Papillion, NE24,9051043.6%
      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.