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Moving from Nebraska to California

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

NE state flag
Living now

Nebraska

Capital: Lincoln

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

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

CA state flag
Moving to

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.

California has an overall price level 110.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Nebraska
90.1
California
110.7
California has 23% higher overall price level
Housing index
Nebraska
75.2
California
154.3
California has 105% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Nebraska
94.1
California
106.1
California has 13% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Nebraska
98.5
California
101.6
California has 3.1% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Nebraska
13.6 ¢/kWh
California
33.3 ¢/kWh
California has 145% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Nebraska
98.0
California
102.1
California has 4.2% higher transportation
Median home value
Nebraska
$263,100
California
$759,500
California is 189% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Nebraska
$1,102/mo
California
$2,104/mo
California is 91% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Nebraska
88°F
California
84°F
California is 4.5% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Nebraska
14°F
California
45°F
California is 221% more winter lows
Sunny days / year
Nebraska
49.2
California
258
California has 424% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Nebraska
220 in
California
22 in
California is 90% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Nebraska
25.4
California
61
California has 140% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Nebraska
31
California
294
California has 848% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Nebraska
1 in
California
3 in
California is 200% more annual snowfall

Get the full NebraskaCalifornia 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 California than Nebraska?

California's overall price level is roughly 113 (US avg = 100), vs about 90.3 for Nebraska, 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?

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

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

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

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