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Grand Island, NE

Cost of living in Howard County, NE

Part of the Grand Island Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$2,822/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 6,492 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $823 29%
Federal tax $501 18%
Healthcare $480 17%
Groceries $320 11%
Transport $320 11%
Energy $185 7%
State tax $143 5%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Howard County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$685
per month
1 bedroom
$823
per month
2 bedroom
$999
per month
3 bedroom
$1,204
per month
4 bedroom
$1,324
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Howard County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$74,508
per year
Individual earnings
$40,719
per year
Per capita
$35,045
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Howard County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$205,200
Annual property tax
$2,314

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Howard County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$124
per month · 13.1¢/kWh
Natural gas
$61
per month
Annual total
$2,220
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Howard County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
7.0%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Howard County

State and local tax rates for Nebraska.

State income tax
5.8%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
5.5%
Combined sales tax
7.0%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Howard County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
28.3 min
Drive alone
81.5%
Public transit
0.0%
Work from home
7.8%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Howard County

What it costs to live in Howard County each month.

Single person
$2,822
per month
  • Rent $823
  • Energy $185
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $320
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $501
  • State tax $143
Couple
$4,291
per month
  • Rent $999
  • Energy $222
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $530
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $889
  • State tax $307
Family
$6,623
per month
  • Rent $1,204
  • Energy $278
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $805
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $889
  • State tax $307

Frequently asked questions about Howard County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Howard County?

In Howard County, NE, a one-bedroom apartment averages $823 per month, a two-bedroom averages $999 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,204 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Howard County?

In Howard County, NE, the average household income is $74,508 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $40,719 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Howard County?

The estimated cost of living in Howard County, NE is approximately $2,822 per month for a single person, $4,291 for a couple, $6,623 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Howard County?

The combined sales tax rate in Howard County, NE is 7.00%, which includes the Nebraska state rate of 5.50% plus an average local rate of 1.50%.

Is Howard County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Howard County, NE would need approximately $2,822 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $74,508 per year ($6,209 per month). Howard County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Howard County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Howard County, NE is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 7.0% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Howard County?

The average home value in Howard County, NE is $205,200, with average annual property taxes of $2,314, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Howard County compare to other areas?

You can compare Howard County, NE with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Howard County is in the Grand Island, NE metro area.

Other counties in Nebraska

Browse the full list of counties in Nebraska, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Nebraska

Compare Howard County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources