Hastings, NE vs North Platte, NE

Hastings, NE and North Platte, NE have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.9% difference in their overall index. Hastings scores 71 while North Platte scores 72 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 Hastings is $858/month compared to $882/month in North Platte — a 3% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Hastings has cheaper rent, North Platte actually has lower median home values ($159,500 vs $177,200).

Median household income in Hastings is $61,202 compared to $57,805 in North Platte (+5.9%). Hastings offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Hastings spend roughly 16.8% of their income on rent, less than the 18.3% in North Platte.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 49.9°F). Hastings receives more rainfall at 26.4" per year compared to 21.1" in North Platte.