Moving from Worcester, MA to Lincoln, NE
The drive from Worcester, MA to Lincoln, NE runs 1461 mi — about 27h 16m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1461 mi · 27h 16m by car · NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 102.523 to 91.581, putting Lincoln roughly 10.7% below Worcester on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Lincoln: 10.7% below Worcester on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Worcester | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 29.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 26.0 in of snowfall annually at Lincoln.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.42 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Massachusetts 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
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 Worcester 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 1461 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Worcester and Lincoln?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.3°F in Lincoln vs 48.1°F in Worcester (4.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 26.0 in vs 72.9 in. Annual precipitation: 29.3 in vs 48.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $430,112 in Worcester — a 32.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 1461 mi and the route typically takes 27h 16m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $67,544 in Worcester — a 3.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 10.7% lower than Worcester (91.581 vs 102.523, 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 Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA · Lincoln, NE.