Moving from Lincoln, NE to Newport News, VA
The drive from Lincoln, NE to Newport News, VA runs 1334 mi β about 24h 54m 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.
1334 mi Β· 24h 54m by car Β· NE β MO β IL β IN β KY β WV β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β MO β IL β IN β KY β WV β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, I 70, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Newport News | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.581 in Lincoln to 97.941 in Newport News, a 6.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up β $291,062 vs $290,660 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Newport News +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lincoln | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 45.1" |
Climate warms by 7.2Β°F on the annual average β 52.3Β°F β 59.5Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 184,774 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $66,718 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 17.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.44 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Newport News MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,690 | $39,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 71,490 | $29,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 69,500 | $31,880 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 59,850 | $38,810 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,140 | $79,090 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Newport News compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $290,660 in Newport News vs $291,062 in Lincoln β a 0.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Newport News, VA from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 1334 mi and the route typically takes 24h 54m via I 64 and I 70. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Newport News?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1334 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Newport News compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Newport News MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Newport News?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,718 in Newport News vs $69,991 in Lincoln β a 4.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Newport News more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newport News is 6.9% higher than Lincoln (97.941 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· Newport News, VA.