Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Lincoln, NE
The drive from Ann Arbor, MI to Lincoln, NE runs 747 mi — about 13h 47m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
747 mi · 13h 47m by car · NE → IA → IL → IN → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → IA → IL → IN → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 94, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Joliet, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Lincoln is 9.2% cheaper than Ann Arbor overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Lincoln is 9.2% below Ann Arbor — $523,391 vs $291,062 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 29.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Ann Arbor (48.2°F) and Lincoln (52.3°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Lincoln averages 26.0 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.42 |
Income steps down 9.2%: $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $69,991 in Lincoln.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lincoln MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,500 | $40,590 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,810 | $29,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,720 | $35,130 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,440 | $43,440 |
| Management Occupations | 13,270 | $99,080 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan and Nebraska
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nebraska's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Lincoln averages 26.0 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season peaks May through July — identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Nebraska after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Ann Arbor and Lincoln?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.3°F in Lincoln vs 48.2°F in Ann Arbor (4.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 26.0 in vs 59.3 in. Annual precipitation: 29.3 in vs 37.9 in.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor — a 44.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 9.2% lower than Ann Arbor (91.581 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 747 mi and the route typically takes 13h 47m via I 80 and I 94. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 747 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor — a 13.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI · Lincoln, NE.