Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Lincoln, NE
A move from Elizabeth, NJ to Lincoln, NE covers 1290 mi and around 23h 57m of driving through 7 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.
1290 mi · 23h 57m by car · NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Lincoln are 18.6% below Elizabeth — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Lincoln typical home at $291,062 is 18.6% under Elizabeth at $534,667 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elizabeth | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 29.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 55.5°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: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Lincoln is 18.6% above Elizabeth ($63,874 → $69,991, 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 New Jersey 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.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
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 — 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 Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 18.6% lower than Elizabeth (91.581 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $63,874 in Elizabeth — a 9.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Elizabeth and Lincoln?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.3°F in Lincoln vs 55.5°F in Elizabeth (3.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 26.0 in vs 31.5 in. Annual precipitation: 29.3 in vs 46.6 in.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth 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 1290 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 1290 mi and the route typically takes 23h 57m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $534,667 in Elizabeth — a 45.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ · Lincoln, NE.