Moving from Newport News, VA to Lincoln, NE
The drive from Newport News, VA to Lincoln, NE runs 1334 mi β about 24h 54m 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.
1334 mi Β· 24h 54m by car Β· NE β MO β IL β IN β KY β WV β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β MO β IL β IN β KY β WV β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, I 70, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newport News | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Lincoln is 6.5% cheaper than Newport News overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Newport News and Lincoln are within 5% of each other ($290,660 vs $291,062 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Newport News +1.4%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newport News | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.1" | 29.3" |
Climate cools by 7.2Β°F on the annual average β 59.5Β°F β 52.3Β°F.
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: NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newport News | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,774 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $66,718 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.42 |
Median household incomes in Newport News ($66,718) and Lincoln ($69,991) are within a few percent (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 Virginia 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
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter 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 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
Is Lincoln more expensive than Newport News?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 6.5% lower than Newport News (91.581 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Newport News?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $46,990 in the Newport News MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Newport News to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1334 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 Newport News vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $66,718 in Newport News β a 4.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Newport News, VA?
The driving distance is 1334 mi and the route typically takes 24h 54m via I 64 and I 70. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Newport News?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $290,660 in Newport News β a 0.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Newport News.
City profiles: Newport News, VA Β· Lincoln, NE.