Moving from Omaha, NE to Worcester, MA
Relocating 1415 mi from Omaha to Worcester is a 26h 26m drive through 9 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1415 mi Β· 26h 26m 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 | Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Omaha | Worcester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.911 | 102.523 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.378 | 155.206 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.063 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.404 | 113.001 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 11.5% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.5% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $294,189 to $430,112 moving to Worcester.
YoY change: Omaha +1.2%, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Omaha | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 48.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Omaha (51.3Β°F) and Worcester (48.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Worcester averages 72.9 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: OMAHA #1, NE US, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Omaha | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 488,197 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $72,708 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.6% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.6 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 11.5% lower in Worcester than Omaha.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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: Worcester averages 72.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Omaha to Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1415 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 Worcester compared to Omaha?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $430,112 in Worcester vs $294,189 in Omaha β a 46.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Worcester more expensive than Omaha?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 11.5% higher than Omaha (102.523 vs 91.911, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Omaha vs Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $72,708 in Omaha β a 7.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Worcester, MA from Omaha, NE?
The driving distance is 1415 mi and the route typically takes 26h 26m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 9 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 Omaha.
City profiles: Omaha, NE Β· Worcester, MA.