Moving from Lincoln, NE to Naperville, IL
Relocating between Lincoln, NE and Naperville, IL is a 496 mi drive β 9h 9m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
496 mi Β· 9h 9m by car Β· NE β IA β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 88, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Rockford, Elgin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Naperville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 13.1% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.1% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $291,062 to $610,454 moving to Naperville.
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Naperville +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lincoln | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 40.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Lincoln (52.3Β°F) and Naperville (49.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 149,424 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $150,937 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 38.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.75 |
Expect median household income to rise 13.1% β $69,991 β $150,937 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Naperville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Naperville compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Naperville MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Naperville compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $610,454 in Naperville vs $291,062 in Lincoln β a 109.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Naperville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 496 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Naperville, IL from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 496 mi and the route typically takes 9h 9m via I 80 and I 88. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Naperville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $150,937 in Naperville vs $69,991 in Lincoln β a 115.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Naperville more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Naperville is 13.1% higher than Lincoln (103.595 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· Naperville, IL.