8 Most Affordable Places to Live in Nebraska in 2024

With the vast and serene landscapes of the Great Plains combined with charming towns and welcoming communities, Nebraska is one of the many great states to live in the Midwest. So if you’re considering moving to the state, then chances are you have a budget you’d like to stay under when it comes to renting or buying a home. For example, the median home sale price in Nebraska is $295,700 as of July. 

If that number is out of your budget, don’t worry. We’ve got options to help you find a home. Redfin has collected 8 of the most affordable places to live in Nebraska. And the best part is that they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. From Omaha to Grand Island, find out which cities made the list.

#1: North Platte

Median home price: $192,000
Average sale price per square foot: $136
Median household income: $56,890
Nearest major metro: Lincoln (225 miles)
North Platte, NE homes for sale
North Platte, NE apartments for rent

Claiming the first spot on our list of most affordable places to live in Nebraska is North Platte. With a median home sale price of $192,000 and about 22,500 residents, North Platte is a great city to call home. There is a lot to explore in North Platte, like Cody Park which is home to the Cody Park Railroad Museum, strolling through the charming downtown area, and checking out the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park Museum. 

#2: Hastings

Median home price: $204,000
Average sale price per square foot: $100
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $
Median household income: $57,554
Nearest major metro: Lincoln (105 miles)
Hastings, NE homes for sale
Hastings, NE apartments for rent

The second city is Hastings, home to about 24,900 people. The median home sale price is about 90K less than the state’s average, meaning you’ll be saving substantially. In Hastings, make sure to visit the Hastings Museum, check out the quaint downtown, stroll through Heartwell Park, and see what events are on at the Adams County Fairgrounds.

#3: Fremont

Median home price: $235,000
Average sale price per square foot: $140
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,085
Median household income: $62,226
Nearest major metro: Omaha (40 miles)
Fremont, NE homes for sale
Fremont, NE apartments for rent

Another affordable place to live in Nebraska is Fremont, located about 40 miles northwest of Omaha. About 27,600 people live in this community, where you’ll find plenty to do. The city is home to Fremont Lakes, perfect for enjoying a day out on the water. You can also explore Fremont’s downtown where you’ll find a variety of local restaurants and cafes.

#4: Columbus

Median home price: $250,000
Average sale price per square foot: $116
Median household income: $65,341
Nearest major metro: Lincoln (76 miles)
Columbus, NE homes for sale
Columbus, NE apartments for rent

Fourth on our list is Columbus, home to 24,400 residents. Columbus is a great area to consider as it’s close to the Loup River and Platte River. You can find lots of golf courses, local restaurants, and parks in the city.

#5: Norfolk

Median home price: $270,000
Average sale price per square foot: $132
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $795
Median household income: $57,479
Nearest major metro: Sioux City (76 miles)
Norfolk, NE homes for sale
Norfolk, NE apartments for rent

The next affordable city is Norfolk, where the median home sale price is $270,000. The city has about 26,100 residents and is filled with parks and museums to visit. For example, you can check out Ta-Ha-Zouka Park or Skyview Park to spend the day outdoors. Or you can explore the Elkhorn Valley Museum, downtown Norfolk, or Johnny Carson’s Childhood Home if you’re looking to learn more about the town.

#6: Grand Island

Median home price: $276,000
Average sale price per square foot: $119
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $667
Median household income: $56,513
Nearest major metro: Lincoln (95 miles)
Grand Island, NE homes for sale
Grand Island, NE apartments for rent

Sixth on our list is Grand Island where about 53,100 residents currently live. The median home sale price is $276,000 which is about $30K less than the median home sale price in Nebraska. Make sure to visit the Stuhr Museum, explore the beautiful Crane Trust Nature Center in nearby Wood River, and attend a live event or concert at the Heartland Events Center if you move to the sixth most affordable city.

MidwestWilderness via Getty Images

#7: Bellevue

Median home price: $285,000
Average sale price per square foot: $148
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $959
Median household income: $70,647
Nearest major metro: Omaha (10 miles)
Bellevue, NE homes for sale
Bellevue, NE apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $285,000, Bellevue is the seventh most affordable place to live in Nebraska. There are about 64,200 residents living in this mid-sized city, located about 10 miles south of Omaha. If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to explore Fontenelle Forest, visit the Sarpy County Museum, enjoy outdoor activities at Haworth Park, and play a round of golf at Tregaron Golf Course.

#8: Omaha

Median home price: $282,686
Average sale price per square foot: $157
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,165
Median household income: $62,213
Nearest major metro: Lincoln (60 miles)
Omaha, NE homes for sale
Omaha, NE apartments for rent

The final city to make our list of affordable cities to live in Nebraska is Omaha. When living in this city of 486,100 people, you can visit the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, and explore the Old Market district for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Don’t miss out on strolling along the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge which spans the Missouri River and offers scenic views of Omaha’s skyline.

Methodology: All cities must have over 20,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Nebraska. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during July 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

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