Moving from Madison, WI to Lincoln, NE
It is a 469 mi drive, roughly 9h 7m, between Madison, WI and Lincoln, NE. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
469 mi Β· 9h 7m by car Β· NE β IA β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 151, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 5.9% moving from Madison to Lincoln β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $423,767 in Madison to $291,062 in Lincoln, a 5.9% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 29.3" |
Annual temperature rises 5.1Β°F moving to Lincoln per NOAA normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Lincoln sees 26.0 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.42 |
Households in Lincoln earn about 5.9% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lincoln MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,500 | $40,590 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,810 | $29,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,720 | $35,130 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,440 | $43,440 |
| Management Occupations | 13,270 | $99,080 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Nebraska
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nebraska'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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Lincoln averages 26.0 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season peaks May through July β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Nebraska after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Lincoln more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 5.9% lower than Madison (91.581 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 469 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 Lincoln compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $423,767 in Madison β a 31.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $76,983 in Madison β a 9.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 469 mi and the route typically takes 9h 7m via I 80 and US 151. The trip crosses 3 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 Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Lincoln, NE.