Moving from Lincoln, NE to Fairfield, CA
Cross-country relocations like Lincoln, NE → Fairfield, CA cover 1569 mi and about 26h 30m of driving through 5 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.
1569 mi · 26h 30m by car · NE → WY → UT → NV → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → WY → UT → NV → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 15, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan, Sparks, Reno |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Fairfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 108.479 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 154.993 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 142.042 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.581 in Lincoln to 108.479 in Fairfield, a 18.5% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Fairfield: 18.5% above Lincoln on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Fairfield -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lincoln | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 40°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 24.5" |
Climate warms by 9.4°F on the annual average — 52.3°F → 61.7°F.
Effectively snow-free year in Fairfield — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, FAIRFIELD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 119,985 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $102,321 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 36.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 3.16 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 18.5% between Lincoln and Fairfield (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fairfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,510 | $51,200 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,960 | $36,120 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 12,440 | $43,450 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 12,220 | $37,910 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 10,450 | $34,840 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October — register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Fairfield, CA from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 1569 mi and the route typically takes 26h 30m via I 80 and I 15. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Lincoln and Fairfield?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.7°F in Fairfield vs 52.3°F in Lincoln (9.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 26.0 in. Annual precipitation: 24.5 in vs 29.3 in.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Fairfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1569 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 Fairfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $102,321 in Fairfield vs $69,991 in Lincoln — a 46.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Fairfield more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fairfield is 18.5% higher than Lincoln (108.479 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Fairfield compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $53,520 in the Fairfield MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 137,640 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Fairfield compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $609,269 in Fairfield vs $291,062 in Lincoln — a 109.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE · Fairfield, CA.