Moving from Bellevue, WA to Boise City, ID
Relocating between Bellevue, WA and Boise City, ID is a 480 mi drive β 8h 60m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
480 mi Β· 8h 60m by car Β· ID β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | ID β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, US 30, US 97 |
| Major cities en route | Meridian, Nampa, Kent, Renton, Tacoma |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Bellevue | Boise City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Expect about 11.5% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Boise City at 98.391 vs Bellevue at 111.133.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Bellevue -2.7%, Boise City β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Bellevue | Boise City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | 17.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.8" | 11.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Bellevue (53.2Β°F) and Boise City (53.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Boise City averages 17.6 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: SEATTLE SAND PT WSFO, WA US, BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Bellevue | Boise City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 151,199 | 235,701 |
| Median household income | $161,300 | $81,308 |
| Median age | 38.3 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.2% | 29.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.37 |
Expect median household income to fall 11.5% β $161,300 β $81,308 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Washington 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 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
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
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 β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Boise City average 93Β°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 does household income compare in Bellevue vs Boise City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,308 in Boise City vs $161,300 in Bellevue β a 49.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Boise City compare to Bellevue?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Boise City MSA vs $65,260 in the Bellevue MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Boise City, ID from Bellevue, WA?
The driving distance is 480 mi and the route typically takes 8h 60m via I 84 and US 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Boise City more expensive than Bellevue?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boise City is 11.5% lower than Bellevue (98.391 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Bellevue to Boise City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 480 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Bellevue.
City profiles: Bellevue, WA Β· Boise City, ID.