Gering, NE vs Hastings, NE

Gering, NE and Hastings, NE have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.5% difference in their overall index. Gering scores 71 while Hastings scores 71 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Gering is $818/month compared to $858/month in Hastings — a 5% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Gering is more affordable at $170,700 median vs $177,200.

Median household income in Gering is $70,244 compared to $61,202 in Hastings (+14.8%). Gering offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Gering spend roughly 14% of their income on rent, less than the 16.8% in Hastings.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.9°F vs 51.9°F). Hastings receives more rainfall at 26.4" per year compared to 15.7" in Gering.