Moving from Cincinnati, OH to Lincoln, NE
Relocating 749 mi from Cincinnati to Lincoln is a 14h 2m drive through 6 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.
749 mi Β· 14h 2m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β MO β IA β NE
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β MO β IA β NE |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, I 74, I 72 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cincinnati | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.37 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.954 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.751 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.608 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 95.37 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 4.0% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cincinnati +1.7%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cincinnati | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.4" | 29.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Cincinnati (54.8Β°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: CINCINNATI LUNKEN AP, OH US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cincinnati | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,595 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $51,707 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 33 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.2% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.17 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to rise 4.0% β $51,707 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 Ohio 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 Cincinnati, OH?
The driving distance is 749 mi and the route typically takes 14h 2m via US 36 and I 74. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Cincinnati?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $47,280 in the Cincinnati MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 1,081,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Cincinnati?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $249,568 in Cincinnati β a 16.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 749 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 Cincinnati vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $51,707 in Cincinnati β a 35.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Cincinnati?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 4.0% lower than Cincinnati (91.581 vs 95.37, 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 Cincinnati.
City profiles: Cincinnati, OH Β· Lincoln, NE.