Moving from Lincoln, NE to Jersey City, NJ
A move from Lincoln, NE to Jersey City, NJ covers 1293 mi and around 23h 59m of driving through 7 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.
1293 mi · 23h 59m by car · NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, US 6 |
| 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
| Lincoln | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall price level in Jersey City runs 22.9% higher than Lincoln — a substantial step-up on the BEA Regional Price Parity (91.581 → 112.563, 2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Jersey City is 22.9% above Lincoln — $291,062 vs $658,269 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lincoln | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 50.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Lincoln (52.3°F) and Jersey City (54.8°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Jersey City averages 28.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.35 |
Median household income in Jersey City is 22.9% above Lincoln ($69,991 vs $94,813, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jersey City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- 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: Jersey City averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Jersey City averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $291,062 in Lincoln — a 126.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Jersey City more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 22.9% higher than Lincoln (112.563 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Lincoln and Jersey City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Jersey City vs 52.3°F in Lincoln (2.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 26.0 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 29.3 in.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 1293 mi and the route typically takes 23h 59m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $69,991 in Lincoln — a 35.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Jersey City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1293 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE · Jersey City, NJ.