Moving from Cambridge, MA to Lincoln, NE
A move from Cambridge, MA to Lincoln, NE covers 1496 mi and around 27h 57m of driving through 10 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1496 mi Β· 27h 57m by car Β· NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ β NY β CT β 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
| Cambridge | 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 |
Overall prices in Lincoln are 15.4% below Cambridge β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Lincoln typical home at $291,062 is 15.4% under Cambridge at $1,041,569 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 29.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 51.2Β°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: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Lincoln is 15.4% below Cambridge ($126,469 vs $69,991, ACS 5-year 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 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.
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 β 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 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
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1496 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 44.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 72.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 1496 mi and the route typically takes 27h 57m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 15.4% lower than Cambridge (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 Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Lincoln, NE.