Moving from Boise City, ID to Denver, CO
Relocating 818 mi from Boise City to Denver is a 13h 43m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
818 mi · 13h 43m by car · CO → WY → UT → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → WY → UT → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, I 80, I 25 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Centennial, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boise City | Denver | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Denver runs about 7.5% more expensive overall than Boise City — RPP 98.391 → 105.782.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Boise City —, Denver -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boise City | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | 49.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 15.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 53.2°F vs 51.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Denver sees 49.0 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, DENVER-STAPLETON, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boise City | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,701 | 713,734 |
| Median household income | $81,308 | $91,681 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.2% | 33.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.17 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.5% higher in Denver than Boise City.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Denver MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Idaho and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- 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.
- 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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Denver averages 49.0 in annually vs 17.6 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Denver average 90°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Denver, CO from Boise City, ID?
The driving distance is 818 mi and the route typically takes 13h 43m via I 84 and I 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Denver more expensive than Boise City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Denver is 7.5% higher than Boise City (105.782 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Denver compare to Boise City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Denver MSA vs $45,320 in the Boise City MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Boise City vs Denver?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,681 in Denver vs $81,308 in Boise City — a 12.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Boise City and Denver?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 51.4°F in Denver vs 53.2°F in Boise City (1.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 49.0 in vs 17.6 in. Annual precipitation: 15.4 in vs 11.5 in.
When is the best time to move from Boise City to Denver?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 818 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Boise City.
City profiles: Boise City, ID · Denver, CO.