A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
9%
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 Seward Nebraska National
Cost of living9591100
Groceries9697100
Health care9698100
Housing9176100
Transportation10299100
Utilities9696100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9797100
Household Items9598100
Education & Childcare9696100
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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Seward is 5% higher than the Nebraska average
  • The cost of living in Seward is 5% lower than the national average
  • Seward housing is 9% 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 Seward

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Compare Seward, NE Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$138,880$11,573$3,240$4,167
      Renters$48,378$4,032$1,129$1,451
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Seward, 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 Seward homeowners, is $138,880. This would allow for a maximum of $3,240 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $48,378 which would result in a maximum of $1,129 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.
      Tamora, NE20972.8%
      Surprise, NE497524.6%
      Ulysses, NE1667723.0%
      Cordova, NE987920.8%
      Bee, NE2148217.7%
      Seward, NE7,363954.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fair Plain, MI7,3628712.7%
      Umatilla, OR7,3611044.3%
      Unionville, NC7,3591043.6%
      Farr West, UT7,36711616.4%
      Putnam, CT7,3581054.7%
      Seward, NE7,363954.7%
      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.