Moving from Allentown, PA to Nampa, ID
It is 2416 mi and 42h 14m from Allentown to Nampa — a cross-country move across 9 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2416 mi · 42h 14m by car · PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Akron, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Nampa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 99.968 vs 98.391 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 1.6% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $309,699 to $412,277 moving to Nampa.
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Nampa +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | 9.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 11.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Allentown (53.1°F) and Nampa (52.0°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Nampa averages 9.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 106,289 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $72,122 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 16.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.85 |
Expect median household income to rise 1.6% — $53,403 → $72,122 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Nampa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 49,860 | $40,850 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 32,370 | $39,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,530 | $29,290 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,420 | $37,030 |
| Management Occupations | 29,410 | $89,660 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Idaho
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Idaho'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- 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.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Nampa average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Nampa sees only 11.0 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Idaho after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Allentown and Nampa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.0°F in Nampa vs 53.1°F in Allentown (1.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 9.7 in vs 33.1 in. Annual precipitation: 11.0 in vs 47.4 in.
How far is Nampa, ID from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 2416 mi and the route typically takes 42h 14m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Nampa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2416 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Nampa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,122 in Nampa vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 35.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Nampa compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $412,277 in Nampa vs $309,699 in Allentown — a 33.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Nampa compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Nampa MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Nampa more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Nampa is 1.6% lower than Allentown (98.391 vs 99.968, 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 Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA · Nampa, ID.