Kearney, NE vs South Sioux City, NE

Kearney, NE and South Sioux City, NE have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.9% difference in their overall index. Kearney scores 79 while South Sioux City scores 77 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 Kearney is $922/month compared to $1,083/month in South Sioux City — a 15% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Kearney has cheaper rent, South Sioux City actually has lower median home values ($160,900 vs $235,800).

Median household income in Kearney is $69,790 compared to $68,397 in South Sioux City (+2%). The higher salaries in Kearney partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Kearney spend roughly 15.9% of their income on rent, less than the 19% in South Sioux City.

Climate-wise, Kearney is notably warmer with an average of 51.9°F compared to 48.4°F in South Sioux City. South Sioux City receives more rainfall at 29.3" per year compared to 26.4" in Kearney.