Moving from Kent, WA to Lincoln, NE
Moving from Kent, WA to Lincoln, NE is a 1662 mi cross-country relocation β about 28h 30m of driving through 6 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1662 mi Β· 28h 30m by car Β· NE β WY β UT β ID β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β WY β UT β ID β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, US 97 |
| Major cities en route | Salt Lake City, Boise City, Meridian, Nampa, Bellevue |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kent | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 111.133 to 91.581, putting Lincoln roughly 17.6% below Kent on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Lincoln: 17.6% below Kent on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Kent -2.1%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kent | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 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 1991β2020 (stations: KENT, WA US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kent | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,015 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $90,416 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.1% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Lincoln is 17.6% below Kent ($90,416 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 Washington 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-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
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
Is Lincoln more expensive than Kent?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 17.6% lower than Kent (91.581 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Kent to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1662 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Kent?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $65,260 in the Kent MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Kent, WA?
The driving distance is 1662 mi and the route typically takes 28h 30m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Kent vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $90,416 in Kent β a 22.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Kent?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $656,314 in Kent β a 55.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kent.
City profiles: Kent, WA Β· Lincoln, NE.