If you're apartment hunting in central Nebraska, you've probably looked at both Kearney and Lexington. But how much do the prices actually differ? We pulled data from major rental listing sites to give you a clear comparison.
Average Rent Comparison
| Unit Type | Kearney, NE | North Platte, NE | Lexington, NE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050/mo | $950/mo | $650/mo |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,126/mo | $1,005/mo | $750/mo |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,400+/mo | $1,200+/mo | $950/mo |
Sources: Apartments.com, Rent.com, Zumper (December 2024)
Your Savings Living in Lexington
Why the Price Difference?
Kearney's higher rents reflect its position as a regional hub with the University of Nebraska at Kearney, more employers, and higher demand. North Platte is slightly more affordable but still commands premium prices as a railroad town.
Lexington offers significantly lower rents while still providing:
- High-speed fiber internet (up to 1 Gbps)
- 45-minute access to Kearney for shopping and entertainment
- Local healthcare, grocery stores, and essential services
- Safe, quiet neighborhoods
The Commuter Calculation
If you work in Kearney, is it worth commuting from Lexington? Let's do the math:
Monthly Commute Cost Estimate
- Distance (round trip): 90 miles
- Work days per month: ~22 days
- Monthly miles: ~1,980 miles
- Gas cost (30 mpg, $3/gal): ~$198/mo
- Rent savings vs Kearney: $376/mo
- Net savings after gas: ~$178/mo
Even after fuel costs, you save about $2,136/year by living in Lexington and commuting to Kearney.
This doesn't account for remote work (where you save even more), or hybrid schedules where you only commute 2-3 days per week.
Beyond Rent: Other Cost of Living Factors
Groceries
Comparable prices. Lexington has Walmart and local grocery stores. Bulk shopping available in Kearney (Costco, Sam's Club).
Utilities
Similar rates across central Nebraska. Natural gas heating in winter. Electric rates competitive statewide.
Internet
Lexington has fiber available up to 1 Gbps. Comparable to or better than Kearney options. Around $60-80/mo for fast service.
What You Give Up (And What You Keep)
Kearney Has More Of:
- Restaurants and bars
- Shopping options (Target, Costco)
- Entertainment venues
- University events
- Specialized healthcare
Lexington Offers:
- $376/month rent savings
- Quieter lifestyle
- Lower traffic/congestion
- Strong community feel
- All essentials locally (Walmart, groceries, healthcare)
The Bottom Line
If you're price-sensitive and don't need daily access to urban amenities, Lexington offers significant savings over Kearney and North Platte. The 45-minute drive to Kearney is manageable for occasional shopping trips or entertainment, and the rent difference adds up to real money in your pocket.
For remote workers, the calculation is even clearer - you get big-city internet speeds with small-town rent.
Ready to Save on Rent?
Lexington apartments available now from $650/month
Get Pricing & AvailabilityData Sources
- Apartments.com - Kearney, NE and North Platte, NE rent trends
- Rent.com - Kearney, NE rent analysis
- Zumper - North Platte, NE rental market research
- Smart Choice Properties - Lexington apartment pricing (current as of January 2025)
All market averages based on available listings as of December 2024. Actual rents may vary by property, unit features, and availability.