Moving from Lincoln, NE to Omaha, NE
It is a 53 mi drive, roughly 1h 3m, between Lincoln, NE and Omaha, NE. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
53 mi · 1h 3m by car · NE
Distance & route
| Route through | NE |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 680, US 6 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Omaha | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 91.911 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 76.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 94.063 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 86.404 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 91.581 vs 91.911 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $291,062 vs $294,189.
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lincoln | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 15°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 85°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | — |
Annual average temperatures in Lincoln (52.3°F) and Omaha (51.3°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.44 |
Median household incomes in Lincoln ($69,991) and Omaha ($72,708) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Omaha MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 58,590 | $42,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 45,020 | $30,130 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 43,680 | $35,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 41,730 | $39,370 |
| Management Occupations | 37,950 | $104,990 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Omaha compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 483,970 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $69,991 in Lincoln — a 3.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Omaha, NE from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 53 mi and the route typically takes 1h 3m via I 80 and I 680. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Omaha more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 0.4% higher than Lincoln (91.911 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 53 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Omaha compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,189 in Omaha vs $291,062 in Lincoln — a 1.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE · Omaha, NE.