Hastings, NE vs Scottsbluff, NE

Hastings, NE and Scottsbluff, NE have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.3% difference in their overall index. Hastings scores 71 while Scottsbluff scores 73 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 $966/month in Scottsbluff — a 11% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Hastings has cheaper rent, Scottsbluff actually has lower median home values ($141,300 vs $177,200).

Median household income in Hastings is $61,202 compared to $53,448 in Scottsbluff (+14.5%). 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 21.7% in Scottsbluff.

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 15.7" in Scottsbluff.