Moving from Elgin, IL to Lincoln, NE
The 493 mi from Elgin to Lincoln translate to about 9h 13m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
493 mi · 9h 13m by car · NE → IA → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → IA → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 6, I 88 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Rockford, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | 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 |
Lincoln is 11.6% cheaper than Elgin overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Lincoln is 11.6% below Elgin ($291,062 vs $329,682 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elgin | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 29.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Elgin (49.0°F) and Lincoln (52.3°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Lincoln averages 26.0 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 11.6% between Elgin and Lincoln (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 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 — 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
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $88,316 in Elgin — a 20.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Elgin and Lincoln?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.3°F in Lincoln vs 49.0°F in Elgin (3.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 26.0 in vs 32.1 in. Annual precipitation: 29.3 in vs 39.9 in.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin 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.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 493 mi and the route typically takes 9h 13m via I 80 and US 6. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Elgin 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 493 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 11.6% lower than Elgin (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 Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $329,682 in Elgin — a 11.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL · Lincoln, NE.