Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Lincoln, NE
Relocating 1370 mi from Chesapeake to Lincoln is a 25h 44m drive through 8 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1370 mi Β· 25h 44m by car Β· NE β IA β MO β IL β IN β KY β WV β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β MO β IL β IN β KY β WV β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, I 70, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Overland Park, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chesapeake | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.5% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Lincoln at 91.581 vs Chesapeake at 97.941.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.5% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $420,756 to $291,062 moving to Lincoln.
YoY change: Chesapeake +2.9%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chesapeake | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 29.3" |
Expect 10.7Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Lincoln averages 26.0 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FENTRESS NAAS, VA US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chesapeake | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 251,153 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $94,189 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.4% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to fall 6.5% β $94,189 β $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 Virginia 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
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in 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 β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.7Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Chesapeake?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $420,756 in Chesapeake β a 30.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Chesapeake?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 6.5% lower than Chesapeake (91.581 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Chesapeake vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $94,189 in Chesapeake β a 25.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Chesapeake to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1370 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 Chesapeake, VA?
The driving distance is 1370 mi and the route typically takes 25h 44m via I 64 and I 70. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Chesapeake?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $46,990 in the Chesapeake MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chesapeake.
City profiles: Chesapeake, VA Β· Lincoln, NE.