Moving from Lincoln, NE to Allentown, PA
Relocating 1226 mi from Lincoln to Allentown is a 22h 45m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1226 mi · 22h 45m by car · NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA |
|---|---|
| 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
| Lincoln | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 9.2% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.2% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lincoln | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 47.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Lincoln (52.3°F) and Allentown (53.1°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Allentown averages 33.1 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: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.72 |
Expect median household income to fall 9.2% — $69,991 → $53,403 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Allentown MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 54,700 | $44,160 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 44,170 | $43,910 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,110 | $29,620 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 29,400 | $34,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 28,860 | $79,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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: Allentown averages 33.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1226 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Allentown, PA from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 1226 mi and the route typically takes 22h 45m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $291,062 in Lincoln — a 6.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Allentown more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 9.2% higher than Lincoln (99.968 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $69,991 in Lincoln — a 23.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Lincoln and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 52.3°F in Lincoln (0.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 26.0 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 29.3 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE · Allentown, PA.