Hastings, NE vs Kearney, NE

Hastings is moderately more affordable than Kearney, with a 10.2% lower cost of living index. Hastings scores 71 compared to 79 for Kearney, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Kearney can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Hastings is $858/month compared to $922/month in Kearney — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hastings is more affordable at $177,200 median vs $235,800.

Median household income in Hastings is $61,202 compared to $69,790 in Kearney (-12.3%). While Kearney is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hastings spend roughly 16.8% of their income on rent, more than the 15.9% in Kearney.

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