Cost of Living in Blair, NE

With a cost of living index of 78, Blair, NE is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 22% cheaper than the national average and 6% above the Nebraska state average of 72. Blair is a smaller community of 7,868 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Blair's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $941 (29% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $211,000 (31% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.8x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Blair is $76,292, which is 2% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 15% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Blair. The area sees an average annual temperature of 50.1°F, with summers averaging 74°F and winters around 25°F. Annual rainfall totals 28.3 inches spread over roughly 104 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Omaha, NE-IA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.