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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Kearney, NE โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Lincoln, NE area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.8K/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $171.4K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 23.8%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,786
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$21.4K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Kearney, NE

Population:34K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$281K

Austin, TX

Population:979K
Cost Index:124
Median Home:$558K

Kearney, NE

The Cornhusker State

34K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Nebraska, this city has a population of 34K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขLive music capital
  • โ€ขMajor tech hub
  • โ€ขSXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Kearney, NE vs Austin, TX

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 66.6%
Kearney, NE
$1,732
Austin, TX
$2,885
Difference
$1,153
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 21.0%
Kearney, NE
$1,438
Austin, TX
$1,741
Difference
$303
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 13.0%
Kearney, NE
$1,136
Austin, TX
$1,284
Difference
$148
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†‘ 20.4%
Kearney, NE
$449
Austin, TX
$541
Difference
$91.66
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†“ 9.7%
Kearney, NE
$652
Austin, TX
$589
Difference
$63.02
less
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 5.7%
Kearney, NE
$908
Austin, TX
$959
Difference
$51.67
more

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$645
To$1,585
โ†‘ $940
1 Bed
From$707
To$1,685
โ†‘ $978
2 Bed
From$839
To$1,995
โ†‘ $1,156
3 Bed
From$1,111
To$2,525
โ†‘ $1,414
Kearney, NEZIP-level data

1BR range: $910โ€“$910/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490โ€“$2,350/mo

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,315
Monthly in Kearney, NE
$7,998
Monthly in Austin, TX
$1,683
Difference

Home Values

Kearney
Austin
$281K
Median Value
$558K
โ†‘ +5%
YoY Change
โ†“ -5%
โ†‘ +35.6%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +12.6%
$281K
Price Range
$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 99% more expensive than Kearney

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†‘ $9.3K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$778
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
6.2%
Rate difference

Kearney, NE

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Nebraska State Tax
Effective: 6.2%
$9.3K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.9%
$46.3K
Take-Home Pay
$8,638/month
$103.7K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Kearney, NE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%
Property Tax:1.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Kearney
Austin
41 Good
Air Quality
52 Moderate
83.7%
Good Air Days
42.6%
91 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.5ยฐF
38 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
98 days
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.5ยฐF
38 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
98 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Nebraska and Texas on TaxTakeHome.com

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