Moving from Lincoln, NE to Springfield, MA
Relocating 1410 mi from Lincoln to Springfield is a 26h 35m drive through 8 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1410 mi Β· 26h 35m by car Β· NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 96.061 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 154.996 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 75.781 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 91.581 vs 96.061 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $291,062 vs $294,613.
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Springfield +3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lincoln | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 45.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Lincoln (52.3Β°F) and Springfield (49.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 154,751 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $51,339 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 10.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.67 |
Expect median household income to fall 4.9% β $69,991 β $51,339 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,613 in Springfield vs $291,062 in Lincoln β a 1.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 4.9% higher than Lincoln (96.061 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,339 in Springfield vs $69,991 in Lincoln β a 26.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1410 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Springfield, MA from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 1410 mi and the route typically takes 26h 35m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE Β· Springfield, MA.