Moving from Thornton, CO to Lincoln, NE
The 477 mi from Thornton to Lincoln translate to about 8h 12m behind the wheel through 2 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.
477 mi · 8h 12m by car · NE → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Greeley, Aurora, Centennial, Denver, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Thornton | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Lincoln is 13.4% cheaper than Thornton overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Lincoln is 13.4% below Thornton — $502,945 vs $291,062 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Thornton -3.3%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Thornton | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.8" | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | 29.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Thornton (52.4°F) and Lincoln (52.3°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
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: NORTHGLENN, CO US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Thornton | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,878 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $100,985 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.3% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 13.4% between Thornton 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 Colorado 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
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 far is Lincoln, NE from Thornton, CO?
The driving distance is 477 mi and the route typically takes 8h 12m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Thornton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $58,490 in the Thornton MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Thornton 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 477 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 Thornton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $502,945 in Thornton — a 42.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Thornton vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $100,985 in Thornton — a 30.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Thornton and Lincoln?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.3°F in Lincoln vs 52.4°F in Thornton (0.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 26.0 in vs 44.8 in. Annual precipitation: 29.3 in vs 14.5 in.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Thornton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 13.4% lower than Thornton (91.581 vs 105.782, 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 Thornton.
City profiles: Thornton, CO · Lincoln, NE.