Moving from Boston, MA to Lincoln, NE
Relocating 1499 mi from Boston to Lincoln is a 27h 58m drive through 9 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1499 mi · 27h 58m by car · MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Cambridge, Lowell, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boston | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 15.4% cheaper overall in Lincoln than Boston on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.4% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Boston -0.4%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boston | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.2" | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.6" | 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: BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boston | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 663,972 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $94,755 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 33.2 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.5% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to fall 15.4% — $94,755 → $69,991 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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 much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Boston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $798,217 in Boston — a 63.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Boston and Lincoln?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.3°F in Lincoln vs 51.9°F in Boston (0.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 26.0 in vs 49.2 in. Annual precipitation: 29.3 in vs 43.6 in.
How does household income compare in Boston vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $94,755 in Boston — a 26.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Boston 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 1499 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Boston, MA?
The driving distance is 1499 mi and the route typically takes 27h 58m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Boston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 15.4% lower than Boston (91.581 vs 108.266, 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 Boston.
City profiles: Boston, MA · Lincoln, NE.