Moving from Lincoln, NE to Bellevue, WA
Cross-country relocations like Lincoln, NE → Bellevue, WA cover 1656 mi and about 28h 20m of driving through 6 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1656 mi · 28h 20m by car · NE → WY → UT → ID → OR → WA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → WY → UT → ID → OR → WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, US 97 |
| Major cities en route | Salt Lake City, Boise City, Meridian, Nampa, Kent |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Bellevue | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
You are looking at a 21.3% pricier overall price level — 91.581 → 111.133 on the latest BEA Regional Price Parities.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Bellevue typical home at $1,516,154 is 21.3% above Lincoln at $291,062 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Bellevue -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lincoln | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 37°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 77°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | 3.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 37.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 52.3°F vs 53.2°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 3.8 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, SEATTLE SAND PT WSFO, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 151,199 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $161,300 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 38.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.46 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 21.3% between Lincoln and Bellevue (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Bellevue MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March — check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Bellevue more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Bellevue is 21.3% higher than Lincoln (111.133 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Lincoln and Bellevue?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.2°F in Bellevue vs 52.3°F in Lincoln (0.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 3.8 in vs 26.0 in. Annual precipitation: 37.8 in vs 29.3 in.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Bellevue?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $161,300 in Bellevue vs $69,991 in Lincoln — a 130.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Bellevue, WA from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 1656 mi and the route typically takes 28h 20m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Bellevue?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1656 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Bellevue compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,516,154 in Bellevue vs $291,062 in Lincoln — a 420.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Bellevue compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Bellevue MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE · Bellevue, WA.