Moving from Meridian, ID to Lincoln, NE
The drive from Meridian, ID to Lincoln, NE runs 1185 mi — about 19h 38m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1185 mi · 19h 38m by car · NE → WY → UT → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → WY → UT → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Salt Lake City, Boise City, Nampa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Meridian | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 98.391 to 91.581, putting Lincoln roughly 6.9% below Meridian on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Lincoln: 6.9% below Meridian on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Meridian 0.0%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Meridian | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 29.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 26.0 in of snowfall annually at Lincoln.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Meridian | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,865 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $98,686 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.3% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 6.9% between Meridian and Lincoln (ACS 2023).
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 Idaho 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 — 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
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
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 — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Nebraska after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Meridian to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1185 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Meridian?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $45,320 in the Meridian MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Meridian?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $526,994 in Meridian — a 44.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Meridian and Lincoln?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.3°F in Lincoln vs 53.2°F in Meridian (0.9°F colder). Annual snowfall: 26.0 in vs 17.6 in. Annual precipitation: 29.3 in vs 11.5 in.
How does household income compare in Meridian vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $98,686 in Meridian — a 29.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Meridian?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 6.9% lower than Meridian (91.581 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Meridian, ID?
The driving distance is 1185 mi and the route typically takes 19h 38m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Meridian.
City profiles: Meridian, ID · Lincoln, NE.