Moving from Paterson, NJ to Lincoln, NE
A move from Paterson, NJ to Lincoln, NE covers 1285 mi and around 23h 43m of driving through 7 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.
1285 mi Β· 23h 43m by car Β· NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Joliet, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 112.563 to 91.581, putting Lincoln roughly 18.6% below Paterson on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Lincoln: 18.6% below Paterson on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 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 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Lincoln is 18.6% above Paterson ($53,766 vs $69,991, ACS 5-year 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 New Jersey 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.
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
When is the best time to move from Paterson to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1285 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 Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 45.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 18.6% lower than Paterson (91.581 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 1285 mi and the route typically takes 23h 43m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Paterson vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 30.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $59,390 in the Paterson MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Paterson.
City profiles: Paterson, NJ Β· Lincoln, NE.