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Moving from California to Nebraska

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs. vs. Steady Plains economy, Buffett's Berkshire, low unemployment.

CA state flag
Living now

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs.

NE state flag
Moving to

Nebraska

Capital: Lincoln

Median household income $71,722 · winter low 14°F · 220 sunny days

Steady Plains economy, Buffett's Berkshire, low unemployment.

Nebraska has an overall price level 90.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
California
110.7
Nebraska
90.1
Nebraska has 19% lower overall price level
Housing index
California
154.3
Nebraska
75.2
Nebraska has 51% lower housing costs
Groceries index
California
106.1
Nebraska
94.1
Nebraska has 11% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
California
101.6
Nebraska
98.5
Nebraska has 3.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
California
33.3 ¢/kWh
Nebraska
13.6 ¢/kWh
Nebraska has 59% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
California
102.1
Nebraska
98.0
Nebraska has 4.0% lower transportation
Median home value
California
$759,500
Nebraska
$263,100
Nebraska is 65% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
California
$2,104/mo
Nebraska
$1,102/mo
Nebraska is 48% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 14°F · 220 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
California
84°F
Nebraska
88°F
Nebraska is 4.8% more summer highs
Avg winter low
California
45°F
Nebraska
14°F
Nebraska is 69% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
California
258°F
Nebraska
49°F
Nebraska is 81% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
California
22
Nebraska
220
Nebraska has 900% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
California
61 in
Nebraska
25 in
Nebraska is 58% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
California
294
Nebraska
31
Nebraska has 89% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
California
3
Nebraska
1
Nebraska has 67% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
29 in

Get the full CaliforniaNebraska report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Nebraska than California?

Nebraska's overall price level is roughly 90.3 (US avg = 100), vs about 113 for California, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

California tops out at 13.3% income tax. Nebraska tops out at 4.55%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Nebraska?

Most Nebraska residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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