Moving from Lincoln, NE to Springfield, MO
It is a 360 mi drive, roughly 7h 2m, between Lincoln, NE and Springfield, MO. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
360 mi Β· 7h 2m by car Β· NE β IA β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 29, MO 13, MO 7 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Overland Park, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Lincoln and Springfield sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Springfield run about 3.3% cheaper β ZHVI $291,062 β $242,870 (2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lincoln | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 46.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.3Β°F vs 56.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.13 |
Springfield households earn about 3.3% less than Lincoln at the median β $69,991 β $45,984 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 28,080 | $38,030 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 24,360 | $38,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 20,070 | $28,100 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $31,070 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,940 | $63,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornadoes are common April through June 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Springfield more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 3.3% lower than Lincoln (88.585 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $291,062 in Lincoln β a 16.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, MO from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 360 mi and the route typically takes 7h 2m via I 29 and MO 13. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 360 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $69,991 in Lincoln β a 34.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE Β· Springfield, MO.