Moving from Lincoln, NE to Worcester, MA
The drive from Lincoln, NE to Worcester, MA runs 1461 mi — about 27h 16m 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.
1461 mi · 27h 16m by car · NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| 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 | Worcester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 102.523 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 155.206 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 113.001 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.581 in Lincoln to 102.523 in Worcester, a 11.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Worcester: 11.9% above Lincoln on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lincoln | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 80°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 48.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 72.9 in of snowfall annually at Worcester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.6 |
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
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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Worcester averages 72.9 in annually vs 26.0 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1461 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Worcester compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $430,112 in Worcester vs $291,062 in Lincoln — a 47.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Worcester, MA from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 1461 mi and the route typically takes 27h 16m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Lincoln and Worcester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.1°F in Worcester vs 52.3°F in Lincoln (4.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 72.9 in vs 26.0 in. Annual precipitation: 48.3 in vs 29.3 in.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $69,991 in Lincoln — a 3.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Worcester more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 11.9% higher than Lincoln (102.523 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 · Worcester, MA.