Cost of Living in Sterling, NE

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15%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
44%
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 Sterling Nebraska National
Cost of living8591100
Groceries9697100
Health care9698100
Housing5676100
Transportation10299100
Utilities9696100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9797100
Household Items9598100
Education & Childcare9696100
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Homes For Sale In Sterling, NE

property for sale

320 Tecumseh St

Sterling, NE
property for sale

61032 732 Rd

Sterling, NE
property for sale

Lot 9 Avenue

Sterling, NE
property for sale

Lot 14 Avenue

Sterling, NE

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Sterling is 7% lower than the Nebraska average
  • The cost of living in Sterling is 15% lower than the national average
  • Sterling housing is 44% 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 Sterling

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Compare Sterling, 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$87,912$7,326$2,051$2,638
      Renters$82,912$6,909$1,934$2,488

      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.
      Burr, NE29972.8%
      Crab Orchard, NE397426.5%
      Elk Creek, NE967425.7%
      Virginia, NE717921.0%
      Cook, NE3657920.9%
      Sterling, NE5138515.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Shishmaref, AK513982.2%
      Isleton, CA51311211.7%
      Micanopy, FL513972.6%
      Thompson, IA5138613.6%
      Willernie, MN5131065.8%
      Sterling, NE5138515.0%
      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.
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