Harvard, NE vs Oakdale, NE

Harvard, NE and Oakdale, NE have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.2% difference in their overall index. Harvard scores 62 while Oakdale scores 63 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 Harvard is $720/month compared to $913/month in Oakdale — a 21% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Harvard has cheaper rent, Oakdale actually has lower median home values ($43,700 vs $98,400).

Median household income in Harvard is $67,813 compared to $58,750 in Oakdale (+15.4%). Harvard offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Harvard spend roughly 12.7% of their income on rent, less than the 18.6% in Oakdale.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 49.2°F). Oakdale receives more rainfall at 27" per year compared to 26.4" in Harvard.