Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Lincoln, NE
Relocating between Cedar Rapids, IA and Lincoln, NE is a 305 mi drive β 5h 48m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
305 mi Β· 5h 48m by car Β· NE β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 6, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Des Moines |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 88.963 vs 91.581 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.9% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $204,112 to $291,062 moving to Lincoln.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 29.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) and Lincoln (52.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Lincoln averages 26.0 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.42 |
Median household incomes in Cedar Rapids ($67,859) and Lincoln ($69,991) are within a few percent (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 Iowa 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.
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
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 42.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 305 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 3.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 305 mi and the route typically takes 5h 48m via I 80 and US 6. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 2.9% higher than Cedar Rapids (91.581 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA Β· Lincoln, NE.