Moving from Centennial, CO to Lincoln, NE
Relocating 500 mi from Centennial to Lincoln is a 8h 39m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
500 mi Β· 8h 39m by car Β· NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, I 225 |
| Major cities en route | Greeley, Thornton, Westminster, Boulder, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Centennial | 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 |
Expect about 13.4% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Lincoln at 91.581 vs Centennial at 105.782.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.4% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $649,086 to $291,062 moving to Lincoln.
YoY change: Centennial -2.8%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Centennial | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.0" | 29.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Centennial (50.2Β°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: DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Centennial | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,386 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $128,167 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to fall 13.4% β $128,167 β $69,991 per ACS 5-year estimates (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
How does household income compare in Centennial vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $128,167 in Centennial β a 45.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Centennial to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 500 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Centennial, CO?
The driving distance is 500 mi and the route typically takes 8h 39m 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 Centennial?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $58,490 in the Centennial 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.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Centennial?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $649,086 in Centennial β a 55.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Centennial?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 13.4% lower than Centennial (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 Centennial.
City profiles: Centennial, CO Β· Lincoln, NE.