Moving from Des Moines, IA to Lincoln, NE
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Lincoln, NE covers 190 mi and about 3h 34m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
190 mi · 3h 34m by car · NE → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 6, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Lincoln and Des Moines are close on the overall BEA RPP (91.701 vs 91.581); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Lincoln typical home at $291,062 is 0.1% above Des Moines at $208,166 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 29.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.9°F vs 52.3°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Lincoln sees 26.0 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Lincoln is 0.1% above Des Moines ($63,966 → $69,991, 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 Iowa 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.
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 far is Lincoln, NE from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 190 mi and the route typically takes 3h 34m via I 80 and US 6. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines 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 190 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 39.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 0.1% lower than Des Moines (91.581 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 9.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Lincoln?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.3°F in Lincoln vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (1.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 26.0 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 29.3 in vs 36.6 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Lincoln, NE.