Moving from Topeka, KS to Lincoln, NE
The 166 mi from Topeka to Lincoln translate to about 3h 21m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
166 mi Β· 3h 21m by car Β· NE β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 75, N-2, N-43 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Lincoln and Topeka are close on the overall BEA RPP (88.82 vs 91.581); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Lincoln typical home at $291,062 is 3.1% above Topeka at $190,096 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 29.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.9Β°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: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 3.1% between Topeka 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 Kansas 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.
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
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 25.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 166 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 166 mi and the route typically takes 3h 21m via US 75 and N-2. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 3.1% higher than Topeka (91.581 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 53.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Lincoln, NE.