Moving from Omaha, NE to Lincoln, NE
It is a 53 mi drive, roughly 1h 3m, between Omaha, NE 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.
53 mi Β· 1h 3m by car Β· NE
Distance & route
| Route through | NE |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 680, US 6 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Omaha | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.911 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.378 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.063 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.404 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Omaha and Lincoln sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Lincoln ($291,062) sits close to Omaha ($294,189) β no material housing gap.
YoY change: Omaha +1.2%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Omaha | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 29.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 51.3Β°F vs 52.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 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: OMAHA #1, NE US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Omaha | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 488,197 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $72,708 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.6% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.42 |
Household income lines up β $72,708 vs $69,991 on 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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Omaha?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $294,189 in Omaha β a 1.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Omaha vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $72,708 in Omaha β a 3.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Omaha?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 0.4% lower than Omaha (91.581 vs 91.911, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Omaha, NE?
The driving distance is 53 mi and the route typically takes 1h 3m via I 80 and I 680. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Omaha?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $47,580 in the Omaha MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 483,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Omaha to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 53 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Omaha.
City profiles: Omaha, NE Β· Lincoln, NE.