Moving from Provo, UT to Lincoln, NE
It is 898 mi between Provo and Lincoln — roughly 15h 13m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
898 mi · 15h 13m by car · NE → WY → UT
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → WY → UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 189, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Provo | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.232 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.63 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.446 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.081 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 6.8% moving from Provo to Lincoln — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $484,203 in Provo to $291,062 in Lincoln, a 6.8% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Provo +2.3%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Provo | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 24°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.9" | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.2" | 29.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 54.6°F vs 52.3°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Lincoln sees 26.0 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PROVO BYU, UT US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Provo | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,303 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $62,800 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 23.7 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.1% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.35 | 2.42 |
Households in Lincoln earn about 6.8% more at the median — 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 Utah 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.
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
What is the climate difference between Provo and Lincoln?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.3°F in Lincoln vs 54.6°F in Provo (2.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 26.0 in vs 44.9 in. Annual precipitation: 29.3 in vs 17.2 in.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Provo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $45,700 in the Provo MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 293,170 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Provo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $484,203 in Provo — a 39.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Provo 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 898 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Provo, UT?
The driving distance is 898 mi and the route typically takes 15h 13m via I 80 and US 189. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Provo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 6.8% lower than Provo (91.581 vs 98.232, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Provo vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $62,800 in Provo — a 11.5% higher 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 Provo.
City profiles: Provo, UT · Lincoln, NE.