Cost of living in Kearney County, NE
Population 6,697 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Kearney County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Kearney County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Kearney County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Kearney County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Kearney County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
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 Kearney County
State and local tax rates for Nebraska.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Kearney County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Kearney County
What it costs to live in Kearney County each month.
- Rent $701
- Energy $185
- Water $50
- Groceries $320
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $544
- State tax $155
- Rent $920
- Energy $222
- Water $60
- Groceries $530
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $966
- State tax $330
- Rent $1,108
- Energy $278
- Water $70
- Groceries $805
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $966
- State tax $330
Frequently asked questions about Kearney County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Kearney County?
In Kearney County, NE, a one-bedroom apartment averages $701 per month, a two-bedroom averages $920 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,108 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Kearney County?
In Kearney County, NE, the average household income is $79,167 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $43,333 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Kearney County?
The estimated cost of living in Kearney County, NE is approximately $2,755 per month for a single person, $4,312 for a couple, $6,627 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Kearney County?
The combined sales tax rate in Kearney County, NE is 7.00%, which includes the Nebraska state rate of 5.50% plus an average local rate of 1.50%.
Is Kearney County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Kearney County, NE would need approximately $2,755 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $79,167 per year ($6,597 per month). Kearney County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.
How much does healthcare cost in Kearney County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Kearney County, NE is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 5.2% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Kearney County?
The average home value in Kearney County, NE is $218,300, with average annual property taxes of $2,675, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Kearney County compare to other areas?
You can compare Kearney County, NE with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Kearney County is in the Kearney, NE metro area.
Other counties in Nebraska
Browse the full list of counties in Nebraska, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in NebraskaCompare Kearney County with another area
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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