State Comparison

Nebraska vs Kansas

Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.

Overall Score

6
Nebraska
NE
1 tied
of 16 metrics
9
Kansas
KS

Cost of Living

Cost of Living Index
NE: 90.8
KS: 86.3
KS

Housing

Median Home Price
NE: $240,000
KS: $215,000
KS
Median 2BR Rent
NE: $960/mo
KS: $960/mo
Tie
Closing Costs
NE: 2.70%
KS: 2.60%
KS
Transfer Tax Rate
NE: 0.23%
KS: 0.00%
KS

Taxes

Property Tax Rate
NE: 1.73%
KS: 1.41%
KS
Top Income Tax Rate
NE: 5.84%
KS: 5.70%
KS
Sales Tax Rate
NE: 5.50%
KS: 6.50%
NE
Capital Gains Tax Rate
NE: 5.84%
KS: 5.70%
KS

Income & Employment

Median Household Income
NE: $66,644
KS: $64,521
NE
Minimum Wage
NE: $13.50/hr
KS: $7.25/hr
NE
Max Unemployment Benefit
NE: $440/wk
KS: $488/wk
KS

Business

LLC Filing Fee
NE: $100
KS: $160
NE
LLC Annual Fee
NE: $13
KS: $55
NE

Insurance & Living

Avg Car Insurance
NE: $1,520/yr
KS: $1,610/yr
NE
Avg Home Insurance
NE: $3,050/yr
KS: $2,900/yr
KS

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Kansas leads in 9 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.

  • 2

    Housing: Median home prices are $240,000 in Nebraska vs $215,000 in Kansas — a $25,000 difference.

  • 3

    Taxes: Nebraska has a 5.84% top income tax rate while Kansas has a 5.7% top rate. Property tax rates are 1.73% vs 1.41%.

  • 4

    Cost of Living: Nebraska's index is 90.8 and Kansas's is 86.3 (national average = 100).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nebraska or Kansas more affordable?

Kansas has a lower cost of living index (86.3) compared to Nebraska (90.8), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.

Which state has lower taxes — Nebraska or Kansas?

Overall, Nebraska has a lower combined tax burden. Nebraska has a 5.84% top income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Kansas has a 5.7% top income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.

What are housing costs in Nebraska vs Kansas?

The median home price in Nebraska is $240,000 compared to $215,000 in Kansas. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $960/month in Nebraska vs $960/month in Kansas.

Which state is better for starting a business — Nebraska or Kansas?

LLC filing costs are $100 in Nebraska vs $160 in Kansas, with annual fees of $13 and $55 respectively. Nebraska's 5.84% top tax rate compared to Kansas's 5.7% rate may also factor into your decision.

Should I move from Nebraska to Kansas?

It depends on your priorities. Kansas wins in 9 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.

Comparing Nebraska and Kansas

When deciding between living in Nebraska or Kansas, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.

Nebraska (NE) has a median household income of $66,644 with a cost of living index of 90.8. Kansas (KS) has a median household income of $64,521 with a cost of living index of 86.3.

These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Nebraska calculator or Kansas calculator to model your specific financial scenario.

Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.