Moving from Springfield, MO to Lincoln, NE
It is a 360 mi drive, roughly 7h 2m, between Springfield, MO and Lincoln, NE. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
360 mi Β· 7h 2m by car Β· NE β IA β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 29, MO 13, MO 7 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Overland Park, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.585 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.825 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 65.568 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 88.585 vs 91.581 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.4% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Springfield +1.9%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.5" | 29.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Springfield (56.4Β°F) and Lincoln (52.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
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: SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,432 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $45,984 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 33.6 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.7% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.13 | 2.42 |
Lincoln households earn about 3.4% more than Springfield at the median β $45,984 β $69,991 on 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 Missouri 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.
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
How far is Lincoln, NE from Springfield, MO?
The driving distance is 360 mi and the route typically takes 7h 2m via I 29 and MO 13. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 360 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 Springfield vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $45,984 in Springfield β a 52.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Springfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $41,490 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 217,710 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $242,870 in Springfield β a 19.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 3.4% higher than Springfield (91.581 vs 88.585, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MO Β· Lincoln, NE.