Moving from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE
It is 521 mi between Chicago and Lincoln β roughly 9h 40m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
521 mi Β· 9h 40m by car Β· IL β IA β NE
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA β NE |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, IL 110, I 88 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 11.6% cheaper overall in Lincoln than Chicago on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 11.6% under Chicago β $317,283 β $291,062 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°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: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.42 |
Households in Lincoln earn about 11.6% less at the median β ACS 5-year 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 Illinois 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 far is Lincoln, NE from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 521 mi and the route typically takes 9h 40m via I 80 and IL 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 521 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 Chicago vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 6.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 11.6% lower than Chicago (91.581 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 8.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Lincoln, NE.