Moving to Nebraska: Pros and Cons in 2025
Planning a move to Nebraska? You’re in good company. The Cornhusker State attracts people from all walks of life—whether you crave the lively energy of Omaha or the peaceful vibe of its small towns, you’ll find your ideal place here.
Nebraska has a lot to offer, but before you jump into buying a home and moving, take some time to consider both the pros and cons.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about moving to Nebraska so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.
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Pros & cons of living in Nebraska
Relocating to Nebraska has its advantages, but there are a few challenges you’ll want to consider as well.
Check out the main perks and drawbacks of living in the Cornhusker State to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Pros of living in Nebraska
- ✓Ample economic opportunity
- ✓Four seasons
- ✓Beautiful storms
- ✓Abundant rivers
- ✓Wide-open rural spaces
Cons of living in Nebraska
- ✖Dull landscape
- ✖Natural disasters
- ✖Bad weather
- ✖Small-town life
- ✖Limited entertainment
Things to do in Nebraska
Whether you’re moving to Nebraska for work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Nebraska has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.
You can check out these spots with your family, or use them as a great way to meet new people if you’re flying solo. With so many options, you’re bound to find something that fits your vibe and helps you feel right at home.
Popular Attractions in Nebraska
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
- Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
- Lake McConaughy
- Chimney Rock National Historic Site
- Ponca State Park
- Harold Warp Pioneer Village
- The Durham Museum
- Papio Fun Park
- Niobrara National Scenic River
- Lauritzen Gardens
Museums in Nebraska
- Museum of American Speed
- The Durham Museum
- Joslyn Art Museum
- Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
- Omaha Children’s Museum
- Classic Car Collection
- Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
- Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer
- Lincoln Children’s Museum
- International Quilt Museum
Parks in Nebraska
- Heartland of America Park
- Pioneer Park Nature Center
- Kenefick Park
- First National’s Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park
- Holmes Park & Lake
- Cody Park
- Zorinsky Lake and Recreation Area
- Platte River State Park
- Gene Leahy Mall
- Yanney Heritage Park
Fun facts about Nebraska
Every state has a unique vibe, shaped by its history, culture, and the people living there. Discovering local quirks and traditions gives you a true feel for what life’s really like in each place.
Discovering these fun facts about Nebraska gives you a glimpse into what makes the state special—and might just inspire you to move there, too.
- Traditionally, the ingredients of a Reuben sandwich are Swiss cheese, corned beef, Russian dressing and sauerkraut. Reuben Kulakofsky, a grocer from Lithuania who lived in Omaha, reportedly invented the sandwich sometime between 1920 and 1935.Based in Hastings, Edwin Perkins developed the Kool Aid juice drink in 1927. He converted his ‘Fruit Smack’ syrup into powdered Kool Aid, which made it easier to ship. On May 21, 1998, Gov. Ben Nelson declared Kool-Aid to be the official state soft drink.
- The National Forest in Nebraska is America’s biggest hand planted forest, which covers 141,159 acres (57,125 hectares) of land. J. Sterling Morton introduced a state holiday in 1872, to encourage tree planting in the state. Forty-five other states had followed suit by 1920.
- The Japanese exploded a bomb over Dundee, which is part of Omaha, in April 1945. Happily, it only caused limited damage, and the incident was not reported until the end of the war.
- Nebraska is the only triply land-locked U.S. state, which means that to reach an ocean, gulf, or bay from Nebraska, one must travel through at least three states.
- The nation’s smallest city hall is in Maskell, Nebraska. It is a 10 foot by 12 foot structure and has been the dwelling place of roughly 70 residents since 1930s.
- The amount of land used to produce corn and livestock in Nebraska is greater than in any other state in the U.S.
- Malcolm X (one of the greatest and most influential African Americans in history) was born in Omaha, Nebraska in May, 1925. He was a American Muslim minister and human rights activist who became popular during the civil rights movement.
- The name Nebraska comes from an Oto Indian word meaning “flat water.”
Nebraska population and demographics
Thinking about moving to Nebraska? Go beyond the numbers and discover what life in the Cornhusker State really feels like.
Opting for a state with a larger population usually means more job opportunities, entertainment choices, and stronger infrastructure. On the other hand, less populated states tend to offer a quieter lifestyle and a tighter sense of community.
Looking at average education levels can help you gauge job prospects in an area and how easy it is to access schools or colleges. On the other hand, a state’s political makeup often highlights its core values and priorities.
Getting to know who lives in Nebraska, what their day-to-day looks like, and what they value can help you decide if it’s a place where you’ll fit in and feel at home.
| Metric | Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,978,379 |
| Female | 49.7% |
| Male | 50.3% |
| College graduation rate | 34.45% |
| Political leaning | Republican 59.6-39.1 |
| Crime index | 21.72 |
Nebraska weather
Weather affects daily life in a big way, so it’s wise to factor it in when deciding if Nebraska is the place for you. Checking out the average temperatures and rainfall for each season can help you plan your outdoor time, choose the right gear, and get ready for whatever the weather throws your way.
Blazing summer heat can drive up your energy bills and have you blasting the AC nonstop, while icy winters demand a well-stocked wardrobe and dependable heating. When the snow hits, you could see anything from a light dusting to a major storm that disrupts your plans and daily schedule.
Whether you crave sunshine, cooler weather, or want to steer clear of snowy winters, getting to know Nebraska’s climate will help you decide if it fits your lifestyle.
| Metric | Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 13ºF |
| Annual rain | 27″ |
| Annual snow | 28″ |
Income and cost of living in Nebraska
Exploring major industries, average salaries, housing costs, and daily expenses gives you a clear picture of how practical—and budget-friendly—life in Nebraska really is.
Knowing the major industries in the area helps you gauge your job opportunities and long-term career stability. Plus, since housing costs play a major role in deciding whether to rent or buy, they’re a key factor to consider when planning your move.
The cost of living index reveals how far your money goes compared to the national average. A lower index means you’ll likely pay less for basics like groceries, transportation, and housing.
These numbers don’t just sit there—they give you a real sense of how your lifestyle compares to what Nebraska offers, so you can move with confidence and all the facts you need.
The main economic industries in the state include:
- Manufacturing ($13.5 billion)
- Finance and insurance ($12.5 billion)
- Real estate and rental and leasing ($12.3 billion)
- Professional and business services ($11.5 billion)
- Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($10.6 billion)
- Transportation and warehousing ($10.4 billion)
- Wholesale trade ($7.6 billion)
- Retail trade ($6.7 billion)
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting ($6 billion)
- Utilities ($3.9 billion)
| Metric | Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $987 |
| Average home cost | $259,443 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,722 |
| Cost of living index* | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Average sales tax | Not available |
| State income tax | 6.64% |
*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.
Top schools in Nebraska
If education is a key factor in your decision to move, a state’s academic institutions can say a lot about its career paths and community resources.
Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Nebraska has to offer.
Here are some of the top schools in Nebraska:
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Creighton University
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- University of Nebraska Medical Center
- University of Nebraska at Kearney
- Bellevue University
- Chadron State College
- Doane University
- Wayne State College
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Concordia University, Nebraska
- Peru State College
- Hastings College
- College of Saint Mary
- Nebraska Methodist College
Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Nebraska
After looking at 2,756 moving companies—including 17 right here in Nebraska—we teamed up with real people to pinpoint the very best movers nationwide.
If you’re getting ready to move to the Cornhusker State, check out the top moving companies that can get your stuff safely to your new place—no matter where you’re moving from.
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Cost of moving to Nebraska
Before you head to Nebraska, it’s a good idea to budget for your moving costs. On average, you’ll pay about $136 per hour for professional movers. The total price depends on how much stuff you’re moving and how far you’re going—long-distance moves will cost more than quick hops within the state.
How you choose to move plays a big role in how much you’ll spend.
If you’re looking to save money on your move, consider using one of the top moving container companies. You handle the packing and loading on your own schedule, while the company manages all the driving—giving you a perfect mix of flexibility and cost savings without going fully DIY or hiring a pricey full-service crew.
Want to save money? Getting a moving truck rental is your most affordable option. You’ll take care of everything yourself, from packing and loading to driving and unloading.
If you’d rather avoid the hassle of moving yourself, professional interstate movers can take care of it all. Just keep in mind, this kind of convenience can come at a higher price—so it’s a good idea to compare quotes from several companies to find the best option for your wallet and your needs.
| Company | Quote | Rating |
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Safeway Moving
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Mayzlin Relocation
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BLVD Moving
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PODS
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American Van Lines
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Cost to bring your car to Nebraska
Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Nebraska.
Nebraska car insurance requirements
Nebraska drivers license requirements
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