Nebraska is one of many great states living in the Midwest with its vast and calm landscapes of the Great Plains combined with charming towns and welcoming communities. So, if you are considering moving to the state, when it comes to renting or buying a home, you may have the budget you want to stay. For example, the median home selling price in Nebraska is $288,800 as of April.
If that number is outside your budget, don’t worry. There are options to help you find a home. Redfin has collected 10 of the most affordable locations to live in Nebraska. And the best part is that they all have a median home selling price under the state average. Find out which cities made the list, from Omaha to Grand Island.
#1: North Platte
Median home price: $172,500
Average selling price per square foot: $121
Median household income: $56,890
Nearest Major Metro: Lincoln (225 miles)
North Platt, NE home sale
NE Apartments Rental North Platte
It is North Platte that claims the first place on the list of the most affordable places to live in Nebraska. The median home selling price is $172,500 and with around 22,500 residents, North Platt is the perfect city to call home. North Platt has many things to do, including strolling through the charming downtown area, checking out the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park Museum, like Cody Park, home to the Cody Park Railway Museum.
#2: Hastings
Median home price: $215,000
Average selling 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 Home Sale
Hastings, NE apartment rental
The second city is Hastings, home to around 24,900 people. The median home selling price is about 70,000 less than the state average, which means a huge savings. In Hastings, visit the Hastings Museum, check out the quaint downtown, stroll around Heartwell Park and see events at the Adams County Fairgrounds.
#3: Fremont
Median home price: $220,000
Average selling price per square foot: $140
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,012
Median household income: $62,226
Nearest Major Metro: Omaha (40 miles)
Fremont, NE home sales
Apartments for apartments in Fremont, NE
Another affordable location to live in Nebraska is Fremont, located about 40 miles northwest of Omaha. The community has around 27,600 people and there is much to do. The city has Fremont Lake, perfect for a day out on the water. You can also explore downtown Fremont and find a variety of local restaurants and cafes.
#4: Columbus
Median home price: $244,000
Average selling price per square foot: $124
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,055
Median household income: $65,341
Nearest Major Metro: Lincoln (76 miles)
NE Columbus Home for Sale
Columbus Apartments for Rental
The fourth on our list is Columbus, home to 24,400 residents. Columbus is a great area to consider as it is close to the Loop and Platte Rivers. The city has many golf courses, local restaurants and parks.
#5: Grand Island
Median home price: $247,500
Average selling price per square foot: $123
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $797
Median household income: $56,513
Nearest Major Metro: Lincoln (95 miles)
Grand Island, NE home sales
Apartment rentals in Grand Island, NE
The fifth most affordable city is Grand Island, which currently houses around 53,100 residents. The median home selling price is $247,500, about $40,000 less than the median home selling price in Nebraska. If you’re visiting the Stuhr Museum, explore the beautiful Crane Trust Nature Center in nearby Wood River, and travel to the sixth most affordable city, take part in live events and concerts at Heartland Events Center.
#6: Norfolk
Median home price: $265,100
Average selling price per square foot: $127
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $925
Median household income: $57,479
Nearest Major Metro: Sioux City (76 miles)
NERFOLK, NE Home for Sale
NERFOLK, NE Apartments Rental
The next affordable spot is Norfolk, with a central home selling price of $265,100. The city has around 26,100 residents and is full of parks and museums to visit. For example, you can check out Ta-Ha-Zouka Park or Skyview Park to spend the day outdoors. Or, if you want to know more about the town, you can explore the Elkhorn Valley Museum, downtown Norfolk, or Johnny Carson’s childhood home.
#7: Omaha
Median home price: $270,000
Average selling price per square foot: $151
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,260
Median household income: $62,213
Nearest Major Metro: Lincoln (60 miles)
Omaha, NE home sales
NE Apartments Rental Omaha
It’s Omaha who creates a list of affordable cities to live in Nebraska. When you live in this city of 486,100 people, you can visit Henry’s Doorey Zoo and Aquarium and explore the old market district for shopping, dining and entertainment. Don’t miss a stroll along Bob Kelly’s pedestrian bridge, which spans the Missouri River and offers scenic views of the Omaha skyline.
>>Read: Popular Omaha, NE, Living Neighborhood
#8: Lincoln
Median home price: $282,000
Average selling price per square foot: $159
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,246
Median household income: $62,213
Lincoln, NE Home for Sale
Rent Apartments, Lincoln
Slightly more expensive than Omaha is Lincoln, the next city on the list of affordable places to live in Nebraska. With Lincoln’s approximately 291,100 residents, visit the Nebraska State Capitol to take a guided tour, explore the beautiful sunken gardens and check out the Sheldon Museum’s exhibits.
>>Read: Popular Lincoln, NE, Living Neighborhood
Midwest shaking via Getty Images
#9: Carney
Median home price: $282,500
Average selling price per square foot: $128
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $964
Median household income: $69,790
Nearest Major Metro: Lincoln (130 miles)
Kearney, NE Home for Sale
Kearney, NE Apartments for Rent
Located in central Nebraska, Kearney costs around $282,500. Approximately 34,400 people live in Kearney and features several historic attractions and outdoor spaces. Kearney has several museums, including the Trails & Rails Museum, the Golden Week Frank Museum of History and Culture, the Nebraska Firefighters Museum & Education Center, and the Archway landmarks. Plus, Kearney has a charming downtown area with local shops and restaurants, making it a great place to explore this affordable Nebraska town.
#10: Bellview
Median home price: $286,000
Average selling price per square foot: $144
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,167
Median household income: $70,647
Nearest Major Metro: Omaha (10 miles)
Bellevue, NE home sales
Bellevue, NE Apartments Rental
The median home sale price is $286,000, and Bellevue is the 10th and ultimately the most affordable location to live in Nebraska. Located about 10 miles south of Omaha, this medium-sized city is home to around 64,200 residents. If you are considering moving to this area, explore the Forest of Fontenel, access the Salpee County Museum, enjoy outdoor activities at Howars Park, or play golf at the Tregallon Golf Course.
Methodology: Every city must have more than 20,000 residents per US census and have a median home selling price under the average Nebraska median home selling price. Median home sales prices and median sales prices per square foot from Redfin Data Center in April 2025. Average rental data from April 2025. Median household income data from the population and US Census Bureau.
