Moving from Reno, NV to Lincoln, NE
A move from Reno, NV to Lincoln, NE covers 1400 mi and around 23h 15m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1400 mi · 23h 15m by car · NE → WY → UT → NV
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → WY → UT → NV |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, NV 659, I 15 |
| Major cities en route | Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan, Sparks |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Reno | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.014 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.274 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.478 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Lincoln are 9.3% below Reno — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Lincoln typical home at $291,062 is 9.3% under Reno at $567,857 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Reno -0.4%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Reno | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 27°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 29.7" | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.1" | 29.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 54.5°F vs 52.3°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Lincoln sees 26.0 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: RENO WFO, NV US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Reno | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,959 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $78,448 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Lincoln is 9.3% below Reno ($78,448 → $69,991, ACS 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 Nevada 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 — 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
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
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 — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season peaks May through July — 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
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Reno?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $47,540 in the Reno MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 254,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Reno?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 9.3% lower than Reno (91.581 vs 101.014, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Reno and Lincoln?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.3°F in Lincoln vs 54.5°F in Reno (2.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 26.0 in vs 29.7 in. Annual precipitation: 29.3 in vs 8.1 in.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Reno, NV?
The driving distance is 1400 mi and the route typically takes 23h 15m via I 80 and NV 659. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Reno to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1400 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Reno?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $567,857 in Reno — a 48.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Reno vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $78,448 in Reno — a 10.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Reno.
City profiles: Reno, NV · Lincoln, NE.