Moving from Brockton, MA to Lincoln, NE
Moving from Brockton, MA to Lincoln, NE is a 1512 mi cross-country relocation — about 28h 19m of driving through 9 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1512 mi · 28h 19m by car · NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Brockton | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 108.266 to 91.581, putting Lincoln roughly 15.4% below Brockton on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Lincoln: 15.4% below Brockton on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Brockton +1.4%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Brockton | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 21°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 34.3" | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.2" | 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 1991–2020 (stations: BROCKTON, MA US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Brockton | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,080 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $77,089 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.6% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.95 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Lincoln is 15.4% below Brockton ($77,089 → $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 Massachusetts 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
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
Is Lincoln more expensive than Brockton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 15.4% lower than Brockton (91.581 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Brockton and Lincoln?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.3°F in Lincoln vs 51.4°F in Brockton (0.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 26.0 in vs 34.3 in. Annual precipitation: 29.3 in vs 50.2 in.
When is the best time to move from Brockton 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 1512 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Brockton vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $77,089 in Brockton — a 9.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Brockton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $503,833 in Brockton — a 42.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Brockton, MA?
The driving distance is 1512 mi and the route typically takes 28h 19m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Brockton.
City profiles: Brockton, MA · Lincoln, NE.