Moving from Lincoln, NE to Chandler, AZ
A move from Lincoln, NE to Chandler, AZ covers 1230 mi and around 22h 59m of driving through 6 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.
1230 mi · 22h 59m by car · NE → KS → OK → TX → NM → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → KS → OK → TX → NM → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 54, US 81 |
| Major cities en route | Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Scottsdale, Mesa, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Chandler | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 12.8% pricier overall in Chandler than Lincoln on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Chandler typical home at $524,156 is 12.8% above Lincoln at $291,062 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Chandler -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Chandler |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 278,123 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $103,691 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 28.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.63 |
Median household income in Chandler is 12.8% above Lincoln ($69,991 vs $103,691, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chandler MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
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 Chandler?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1230 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Chandler?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,691 in Chandler vs $69,991 in Lincoln — a 48.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Chandler, AZ from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 1230 mi and the route typically takes 22h 59m via I 40 and US 54. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Chandler compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $524,156 in Chandler vs $291,062 in Lincoln — a 80.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Chandler compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Chandler MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Chandler more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chandler is 12.8% higher than Lincoln (103.316 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 · Chandler, AZ.