Cost of Living

While there is much to enjoy in the Bellevue and the Metro area, it is all below the national average.  A survey of 300 U.S. cities reveals that the relative price levels for consumer goods and services in the area are 12.0% below the national index of 100 for six major components of grocery items, housing, utilities, transportation, health care and miscellaneous goods and services.

Housing/Rental

Housing is reasonably priced compared to other areas of the country.  According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors, the median home sale price was $138,000 for the third quarter  of 2005.  The median for the United States during the same period was $215,000.  The average cost to rent a two-bedroom apartment is $671 per month.

Tax Information

Local Sales and Use Tax
The sales and use tax rate for the state of Nebraska is 5.5 percent.  In addition, the City of Bellevue levies a 1.5 percent sales tax.  The combined total sales tax rate for Bellevue is 7.0 percent.  Food sold in grocery stores and prescription drugs are exempt from sales tax.

Property Tax

Property taxes are levied only by local governments in Nebraska;  there is no state property tax.  Real estate taxes are based on 100 percent of valuation with levies ranging from $1.92025 to $2.39007 per $100 assessed value, depending upon the location of the property.  Automobiles, campers, and boats are also subject to the personal property tax in Nebraska. Contact the county assessors office for the tax rate applicable to a specific address or vehicle model - www.sarpy.com