Moving from Aurora, CO to Lincoln, NE
Moving from Aurora, CO to Lincoln, NE covers 485 mi and about 8h 16m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
485 mi Β· 8h 16m by car Β· CO β NE
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β NE |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, E470 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Centennial, Denver, Thornton, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 105.782 to 91.581, putting Lincoln roughly 13.4% below Aurora on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Lincoln: 13.4% below Aurora on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Aurora -4.3%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 29.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 26.0 in of snowfall annually at Lincoln.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHERRY CREEK DAM, CO US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 390,201 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $84,320 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.73 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Lincoln is 13.4% below Aurora ($84,320 β $69,991, ACS 2023).
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 Colorado 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
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 β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season peaks May through July β 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
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 485 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $463,081 in Aurora β a 37.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $84,320 in Aurora β a 17.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Aurora, CO?
The driving distance is 485 mi and the route typically takes 8h 16m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $58,490 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 13.4% lower than Aurora (91.581 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, CO Β· Lincoln, NE.