Moving from Arvada, CO to Boise City, ID
A move from Arvada, CO to Boise City, ID covers 817 mi and around 13h 42m of driving through 4 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.
817 mi · 13h 42m by car · ID → UT → WY → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | ID → UT → WY → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 189, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Meridian, Nampa, Salt Lake City, Fort Collins, Greeley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Arvada | Boise City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Boise City is 7.0% cheaper than Arvada overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Arvada -2.5%, Boise City —. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Arvada | Boise City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 88°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 75.5" | 17.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.1" | 11.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Arvada (50.3°F) and Boise City (53.2°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Boise City averages 17.6 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WHEAT RIDGE 2, CO US, BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Arvada | Boise City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,835 | 235,701 |
| Median household income | $113,396 | $81,308 |
| Median age | 40.2 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.7% | 29.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.37 |
Median household income in Boise City is 7.0% below Arvada ($113,396 vs $81,308, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Boise City 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 Colorado 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
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- 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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Boise City averages 17.6 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Boise City 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: Boise City sees only 11.5 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
How far is Boise City, ID from Arvada, CO?
The driving distance is 817 mi and the route typically takes 13h 42m via I 80 and US 189. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Boise City compare to Arvada?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Boise City MSA vs $58,490 in the Arvada MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Arvada to Boise City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 817 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Boise City more expensive than Arvada?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boise City is 7.0% lower than Arvada (98.391 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Arvada vs Boise City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,308 in Boise City vs $113,396 in Arvada — a 28.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Arvada and Boise City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.2°F in Boise City vs 50.3°F in Arvada (2.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 17.6 in vs 75.5 in. Annual precipitation: 11.5 in vs 17.1 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Arvada.
City profiles: Arvada, CO · Boise City, ID.