Thinking of moving to Nebraska? The Cornhusker State has a $148.6 billion economy, with growing jobs in the healthcare, technical services, and manufacturing sectors. Plus, with its top-notch education and low crime rates, it ranks among the top 5 states to live in 2025.
But the move comes with trade-offs. Due to its location in Tornado Alley, Nebraska faces a high risk of tornadoes and floods. Still, many are choosing cities like Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island for lower living costs and a better quality of life.
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AT A GLANCE:
- Nebraska has a $148.6 billion economy, with growing jobs in the healthcare, technical services, and manufacturing sectors.
- The cost of living in Nebraska is 10% lower than the national average. Rent in Nebraska is also 33% cheaper.
- Nebraska has a graduated income tax ranging from 2.46% to 5.84%. The state has some of the highest property taxes in the country.
- Expect to pay between $2,200 and $6,400 for your move, depending on how far you’re moving and the size of your belongings.
- Nebraska has an extreme continental climate. Summers are typically hot, while winters are cold with heavy snowfall.
4 Reasons to Move to Nebraska
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1. Jobs in Nebraska
Nebraska’s robust economy has 45,000 job openings in 2025 and aims to add 89,498 more by the end of 2030. Healthcare, technical services, and manufacturing are among the fastest-growing job sectors. Here is a quick breakdown of the job market in Nebraska:
- Healthcare: The healthcare in Nebraska generates around $11.6 billion annually, and supports over 158,000 jobs across the state. Roles like nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physical therapists are in high demand.
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services: The sector contributes around $8.8 billion to the state’s GDP each year, and supports around 62,270 jobs across the state. High-demand roles include software developers and data scientists.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector generates $18.5 billion annually, and supports over 94,370 jobs across the state. On average, a manufacturing worker in Nebraska makes $49,474 yearly. Roles in production and quality control are in high demand.
2. Education in Nebraska
Nebraska ranks #13 across the country in terms of education. The state serves over 364,380 students across 249 school districts.
- Public Schools: The state has 1,083 public schools. Bennington Secondary School, known for its AP courses, and Elkhorn South High School, known for high average ACT scores, are among the top public schools in Nebraska.
- Private Schools: Nebraska is home to 207 private schools. The average tuition for private schools is $8,070 annually. Top-ranked private schools in Nebraska include Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School and Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart.
- Higher Education: With 30+ colleges and universities located across the state, Nebraska has a robust higher education system. The University of Nebraska is the state’s flagship institution, known for programs in agricultural sciences, engineering, and medical research.
3. Low Crime Rates
Nebraska has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, with just 2.83 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, compared to 4 incidents nationally. There are 18.89 property crime incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to the US average of 19.1 incidents.
Seward, with 0.4 violent crime incidents, and Plattsmouth, with 0.6 violent crime incidents per 1,000 residents, are among the safest cities in Nebraska.
4. Affordable Housing in Nebraska
Nebraska ranks as the 9th-most affordable state for housing. The Cornhusker State has a median home price of $277K, which is 25% lower than the national average. Renting a house in Nebraska is also 33% less expensive than the US median.
Recent trends show that 26.3% of listed homes have seen a price drop in Nebraska. This gives buyers greater negotiating power to secure a better deal.
Pros and Cons of Living in Nebraska
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of living in Nebraska:
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. You have access to growing jobs in the healthcare, technical services, and manufacturing sectors. | 1. Due to its location in Tornado Alley, Nebraska is vulnerable to tornadoes and frequent floods. |
| 2. The cost of living in Nebraska is 10% lower than the US average. Housing is also less expensive. | 2. Winters in Nebraska are harsh, with temperatures ranging from 1°F to 33°F. |
| 3. With just 2.83 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, Nebraska has one of the lowest crime rates in the US. | 3. Public transportation outside of cities is sparse. Car ownership is a necessity here. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Nebraska 📌
Here are some things to keep in mind before relocating to Nebraska:
1. Cost of Living in Nebraska
The cost of living in Nebraska is 10% lower than the national average. So, you’ll save on utilities, food, and transportation, though healthcare can get expensive.
The Cornhusker State is an appealing option compared to more popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 58% and 30% above the national average.
2. Infrastructure and Transportation
Nebraska faces several challenges with its aging infrastructure. 17% of the roads in the state are in poor or fair condition, and nearly 8% of bridges are structurally deficient. Additionally, the state requires $3.2 billion to improve its water infrastructure.
However, despite these challenges, Nebraska is actively investing in projects such as the Surface Transportation Program to improve its infrastructure. Plus, the state is set to receive $2.2 billion in federal funding over the next 5 years to improve its highways and bridges.
3. Climate in Nebraska
Nebraska has an extreme continental climate. Summers are warm with temperatures ranging from 63°F to 93°F. Winter temperatures range between 1°F and 33°F. Nebraska receives 20 to 30 inches of snowfall on average each year.
Due to its location in the infamous Tornado Alley, Nebraska is a high-risk state for tornadoes and floods. Severe storms and blizzards also pose a significant risk in the state. It’s crucial to check the FEMA-designated high-risk zones in your area before moving to Nebraska.
4. Laws and Regulations
- Vehicle and Driver’s License Registration: After moving to Nebraska, you have to get your vehicle registered and obtain a Nebraska driver’s license within 30 days. You will need proof of residency, insurance, and title documents for registration.
- Moving to Nebraska with a Gun: Open carry does not require any permit for those aged 18 years or older. However, for concealed carry, you must have a Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). The minimum age required to obtain a CHP is 21 years.
- Recreational Marijuana: Use of marijuana for recreational purposes is not legal in Nebraska. Possession can mean $300 to $10,000 in fines and up to 2 years in prison.
- Pet Registration Laws: Nebraska does not have a statewide law requiring pet registration and vaccination. However, cities often have local requirements that you can find on their official websites.
5. Tax Burden in Nebraska
Nebraska is known to have a moderate tax burden on individuals. Here’s a breakdown:
- Income Tax in Nebraska: Nebraska has gradual income tax rates ranging from 2.46% to 5.84%, depending on your annual income. Cities are not allowed to levy a local income tax in Nebraska, and Social Security benefits are 100% exempt from 2025 onward.
- Sales Tax in Nebraska: Nebraska levies a state sales tax of 5.5%. However, cities often levy an additional local sales tax ranging from 0.5% to 2%. This makes the average effective sales tax rate 6.98%, which is something to budget when planning your move.
- Property Tax in Nebraska: Nebraska has the 4th-highest property taxes in the country. The average effective property tax rate in Nebraska is 1.43% of your house’s assessed value.
How to Move to Nebraska?
Before buying a house in Nebraska, follow this step-by-step guide for a seamless move:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you want to skip all the heavy lifting, consider hiring a professional mover. You can expect to pay around $115 per hour. However, this amount can vary depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- If you want to DIY, renting a truck is a better option. The average cost to rent a mid-sized truck with a load capacity of 4,000 to 6,000 lbs ranges between $40 and $80 per day. Be sure to factor in additional charges for mileage, fuel, and insurance.
2. How to Set Up Utilities?
Getting your utilities set up is a straightforward process in Nebraska:
- Electricity and Gas: Electricity is provided by consumer-owned public power systems, such as NPPD, while Black Hills Energy is the largest natural gas provider. You can visit their website to check availability in your area and start service.
- Water and Sewer: These services are typically provided by your city’s utility department, along with some local companies. Visit your city’s website to find out about the appropriate service provider in your area.
- Internet and Cable: Cox Communications and Spectrum are the largest internet and cable service providers in Nebraska. Costs typically range from $35 to $80 monthly.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in Schools in Nebraska?
Most schools in Nebraska offer online registration:
- For Kindergarten: Children must be at least 5 years old for kindergarten, and 6 years old for the first grade, before September 30. You will need the child’s birth certificate, vaccination records, proof of residency, and a photo ID.
- For Older Kids: You’ll need all the above-mentioned documents, in addition to transcripts and a withdrawal form from their previous school. If your kids are high school athletes, check their athletic eligibility with the new school before enrolling.
- Transfers and Special Cases: Transfers and special cases in Nebraska are typically managed by the local school district office. You can visit their website or directly contact the school district office for assistance in the process.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- Work From Home: 22.5% of employees in Nebraska work from home. If you work remotely, just ask your employer about any state-specific tax and employment laws.
- Find a New Job: Nebraska VR helps individuals with disabilities to prepare, find, and apply for jobs. You can also visit job portals like Indeed and LinkedIn to find jobs in your city.
5. How to Find the Perfect House?
The Nebraska housing market leans in favor of buyers at present. 26.3% listed homes have experienced price drops, and inventory has increased by 14.1%. This gives buyers more negotiating power to secure better deals.
- In popular cities like Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island, the average rent is around $1,400. It typically depends on the neighborhood you’re moving to and the available amenities.
- If you plan to buy a home in a popular city, homes for sale in Omaha cost around $293K. Cities like Alliance and Beatrice offer more affordable options, with median home prices of $176K and $187K, respectively.
Should I Move to Nebraska?
Yes, you should definitely move to Nebraska. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Nebraska isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Nebraska’s best home-buying website, buying a house in the Cornhusker State is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Nebraska, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent, Median home price
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates, Average cost of moving
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Nebraska, long before the moving boxes are packed.
