Moving from Dayton, OH to Lincoln, NE
A move from Dayton, OH to Lincoln, NE covers 746 mi and around 14h 17m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
746 mi · 14h 17m by car · NE → IA → MO → IL → IN → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → IA → MO → IL → IN → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, I 74, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dayton | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.694 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.388 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.712 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Lincoln and Dayton are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.694 vs 91.581); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Lincoln typical home at $291,062 is 1.2% above Dayton at $136,592 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Dayton +1.4%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dayton | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 20°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.3" | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.7" | 29.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 53.3°F vs 52.3°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Lincoln sees 26.0 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DAYTON MCD, OH US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dayton | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,741 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $43,454 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.9% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Lincoln is 1.2% above Dayton ($43,454 vs $69,991, 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 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 — 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.
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 Dayton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 1.2% lower than Dayton (91.581 vs 92.694, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Dayton, OH?
The driving distance is 746 mi and the route typically takes 14h 17m via US 36 and I 74. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Dayton and Lincoln?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.3°F in Lincoln vs 53.3°F in Dayton (1.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 26.0 in vs 12.3 in. Annual precipitation: 29.3 in vs 41.7 in.
When is the best time to move from Dayton 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 746 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Dayton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $136,592 in Dayton — a 113.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Dayton vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $43,454 in Dayton — a 61.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dayton.
City profiles: Dayton, OH · Lincoln, NE.