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 $288,800 as of April.
If that number is out of your budget, don’t worry. We’ve got options to help you find a home. Redfin has collected 10 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: $172,500
Average sale price per square foot: $121
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 $172,500 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: $215,000
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 70K 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: $220,000
Average sale 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 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: $244,000
Average sale 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)
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: Grand Island
Median home price: $247,500
Average sale 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 homes for sale
Grand Island, NE apartments for rent
The fifth most affordable city is Grand Island where about 53,100 residents currently live. The median home sale price is $247,500 which is about $40K 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.
#6: Norfolk
Median home price: $265,100
Average sale 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)
Norfolk, NE homes for sale
Norfolk, NE apartments for rent
The next affordable spot is Norfolk, where the median home sale price is $265,100. 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.
#7: Omaha
Median home price: $270,000
Average sale 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 homes for sale
Omaha, NE apartments for rent
Seventh 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.
>> Read: Popular Omaha, NE, Neighborhoods to Live in
#8: Lincoln
Median home price: $282,000
Average sale price per square foot: $159
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,246
Median household income: $62,213
Lincoln, NE homes for sale
Lincoln, NE apartments for rent
Only slightly more expensive than Omaha is the city of Lincoln, the next city on our list of affordable places to live in Nebraska. With roughly 291,100 residents in Lincoln, make sure to visit the Nebraska State Capitol and take a guided tour, explore the beautiful Sunken Gardens, and check out the exhibits at the Sheldon Museum of Art.
>> Read: Popular Lincoln, NE, Neighborhoods to Live in
#9: Kearney
Median home price: $282,500
Average sale 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 homes for sale
Kearney, NE apartments for rent
Located in central Nebraska is Kearney, where home prices are around $282,500. About 34,400 people live in Kearney, which is home to several historic attractions and outdoor spaces. There are a few museums in Kearney, like the Trails & Rails Museum, G.W. Frank Museum of History and Culture, and the Nebraska Firefighters Museum & Education Center, and The Archway landmark. Additionally, Kearney has a charming downtown area with local shops and restaurants, perfect for exploring this affordable Nebraska town.
#10: Bellevue
Median home price: $286,000
Average sale 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 homes for sale
Bellevue, NE apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $286,000, Bellevue is the tenth and final 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.
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 April 2025. Average rental data from Rent.com April 2025. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.