Moving from Lincoln, NE to West Palm Beach, FL
Cross-country relocations like Lincoln, NE β West Palm Beach, FL cover 1590 mi and about 29h 23m of driving through 8 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.
1590 mi Β· 29h 23m by car Β· NE β IA β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, GA 540 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Overland Park, Independence, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | West Palm Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 24.6% higher overall in West Palm Beach vs Lincoln on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in West Palm Beach: 24.6% above Lincoln on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, West Palm Beach -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lincoln | West Palm Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 58Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 61.7" |
Major climate step-up: 23.5Β°F warmer annual average in West Palm Beach vs Lincoln.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, WEST PALM BEACH INTL AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | West Palm Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 119,508 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $69,261 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 40.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 23.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.37 |
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 West Palm Beach MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in West Palm Beach average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: West Palm Beach averages 61.7 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (23.5Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is West Palm Beach, FL from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 1590 mi and the route typically takes 29h 23m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is West Palm Beach more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in West Palm Beach is 24.6% higher than Lincoln (114.155 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to West Palm Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1590 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 West Palm Beach compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $399,471 in West Palm Beach vs $291,062 in Lincoln β a 37.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs West Palm Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,261 in West Palm Beach vs $69,991 in Lincoln β a 1.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in West Palm Beach compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the West Palm Beach MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE Β· West Palm Beach, FL.