Moving from Green Bay, WI to Lincoln, NE
The drive from Green Bay, WI to Lincoln, NE runs 612 mi β about 11h 56m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
612 mi Β· 11h 56m by car Β· NE β IA β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 151, I 80, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Madison |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Green Bay | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.086 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.041 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.696 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Lincoln and Green Bay are close on the overall BEA RPP (93.086 vs 91.581); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Green Bay +5.9%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Green Bay | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 29.3" |
Climate warms by 7.6Β°F on the annual average β 44.7Β°F β 52.3Β°F.
Significant snow at the destination: Lincoln sees 26.0 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Green Bay | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,585 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $62,546 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.42 |
Income steps up 1.6%: $62,546 in Green Bay vs $69,991 in Lincoln.
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 Wisconsin 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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 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 much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Green Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $278,024 in Green Bay β a 4.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Green Bay vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $62,546 in Green Bay β a 11.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Green Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 1.6% lower than Green Bay (91.581 vs 93.086, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Green Bay to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 612 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Green Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 171,590 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Green Bay, WI?
The driving distance is 612 mi and the route typically takes 11h 56m via US 151 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Green Bay.
City profiles: Green Bay, WI Β· Lincoln, NE.