Moving from Rochester, MN to Lincoln, NE
The 398 mi from Rochester to Lincoln translate to about 7h 20m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
398 mi · 7h 20m by car · NE → IA → MN
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → IA → MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 35, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Des Moines |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Lincoln and Rochester is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Lincoln is 0.8% below Rochester ($291,062 vs $339,455 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 29.3" |
Climate warms by 7.5°F on the annual average — 44.8°F → 52.3°F.
Lincoln averages 26.0 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.8% between Rochester and Lincoln (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 Minnesota 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
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
When is the best time to move from Rochester 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 398 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 Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $339,455 in Rochester — a 14.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 398 mi and the route typically takes 7h 20m via I 80 and I 35. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $87,767 in Rochester — a 20.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Lincoln?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.3°F in Lincoln vs 44.8°F in Rochester (7.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 26.0 in vs 53.1 in. Annual precipitation: 29.3 in vs 34.7 in.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 0.8% higher than Rochester (91.581 vs 90.821, 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 Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN · Lincoln, NE.