Moving from Lincoln, NE to Gilbert, AZ
The drive from Lincoln, NE to Gilbert, AZ runs 1225 mi β about 22h 60m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1225 mi Β· 22h 60m by car Β· NE β KS β OK β TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β KS β OK β TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 54, US 81 |
| Major cities en route | Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Gilbert | 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 |
Overall cost of living in Gilbert is 12.8% higher than Lincoln, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Gilbert is 12.8% above Lincoln β $291,062 vs $572,507 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Gilbert -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lincoln | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | β |
Gilbert runs 19.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (52.3Β°F vs 71.4Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 271,118 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $121,351 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 12.8% between Lincoln and Gilbert (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Gilbert 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 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
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Gilbert average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Gilbert?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1225 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Gilbert compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $572,507 in Gilbert vs $291,062 in Lincoln β a 96.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Gilbert?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $121,351 in Gilbert vs $69,991 in Lincoln β a 73.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Gilbert compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Gilbert 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.
How far is Gilbert, AZ from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 1225 mi and the route typically takes 22h 60m via I 40 and US 54. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Gilbert more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Gilbert 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 Β· Gilbert, AZ.