Dalton, NE vs Hardy, NE
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hardy is 19.2% cheaper than Dalton. With a cost index of 55 vs 66, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hardy to Dalton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Dalton is $870/month compared to $725/month in Hardy — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hardy is more affordable at $14,400 median vs $89,500.
Median household income in Dalton is $65,000 compared to $60,313 in Hardy (+7.8%). Dalton does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Dalton spend roughly 16.1% of their income on rent, more than the 14.4% in Hardy.
Climate-wise, Hardy is notably warmer with an average of 54.1°F compared to 48.5°F in Dalton. Hardy receives more rainfall at 28.4" per year compared to 15.8" in Dalton.
Income & Cost
Housing
Salary Equivalency Calculator
What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)