Moving from Lincoln, NE to Tempe, AZ
A move from Lincoln, NE to Tempe, AZ covers 1223 mi and around 22h 52m of driving through 6 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.
1223 mi · 22h 52m by car · NE → KS → OK → TX → NM → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → KS → OK → TX → NM → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 54, US 81 |
| Major cities en route | Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 12.8% pricier overall in Tempe than Lincoln on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Tempe typical home at $468,281 is 12.8% above Lincoln at $291,062 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lincoln | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 106°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 8.8" |
NOAA normals show Tempe running 19.5°F above Lincoln on the annual mean.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Tempe sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Tempe is 12.8% above Lincoln ($69,991 → $77,643, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tempe average 106°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Tempe sees only 8.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.5°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Tempe, AZ from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 1223 mi and the route typically takes 22h 52m via I 40 and US 54. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $69,991 in Lincoln — a 10.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Lincoln and Tempe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.8°F in Tempe vs 52.3°F in Lincoln (19.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 26.0 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 29.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $291,062 in Lincoln — a 60.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Tempe more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 12.8% higher than Lincoln (103.316 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 Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1223 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 · Tempe, AZ.