Moving from Lowell, MA to Lincoln, NE
It is 1504 mi and 28h 6m from Lowell to Lincoln β a cross-country move across 9 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1504 mi Β· 28h 6m by car Β· NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| 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
| Lowell | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Expect about 15.4% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Lincoln at 91.581 vs Lowell at 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 15.4% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $480,319 to $291,062 moving to Lincoln.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 29.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Lowell (49.0Β°F) and Lincoln (52.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Lincoln averages 26.0 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.42 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 15.4% lower in Lincoln than Lowell.
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 Massachusetts 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
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
How far is Lincoln, NE from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1504 mi and the route typically takes 28h 6m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1504 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 39.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 15.4% lower than Lowell (91.581 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 8.2% 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 Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Lincoln, NE.