Moving from Lincoln, NE to Cambridge, MA
A move from Lincoln, NE to Cambridge, MA covers 1496 mi and around 27h 57m of driving through 10 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.
1496 mi Β· 27h 57m by car Β· NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| 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 | Cambridge | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 18.2% pricier overall in Cambridge than Lincoln on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Cambridge typical home at $1,041,569 is 18.2% above Lincoln at $291,062 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lincoln | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 49.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.3Β°F vs 51.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.38 |
Median household income in Cambridge is 18.2% above Lincoln ($69,991 vs $126,469, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Cambridge?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1496 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $69,991 in Lincoln β a 80.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cambridge compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $291,062 in Lincoln β a 257.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cambridge, MA from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 1496 mi and the route typically takes 27h 57m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cambridge more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cambridge is 18.2% higher than Lincoln (108.266 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE Β· Cambridge, MA.