Moving from Boise City, ID to Tempe, AZ
It is 924 mi between Boise City and Tempe — roughly 17h 47m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
924 mi · 17h 47m by car · ID → NV → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | ID → NV → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 93, I 84, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Meridian, Nampa, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boise City | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Tempe runs about 5.0% more expensive overall than Boise City — RPP 98.391 → 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Boise City —, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boise City | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 106°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 8.8" |
Annual average temperature jumps 18.6°F — 53.2°F in Boise City vs 71.8°F in Tempe, per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Tempe sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boise City | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,701 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $81,308 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.2% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.42 |
Household income lines up — $81,308 vs $77,643 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Idaho and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tempe average 106°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Tempe sees only 8.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (18.6°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Tempe more expensive than Boise City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 5.0% higher than Boise City (103.316 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Boise City and Tempe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.8°F in Tempe vs 53.2°F in Boise City (18.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 17.6 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 11.5 in.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Boise City, ID?
The driving distance is 924 mi and the route typically takes 17h 47m via US 93 and I 84. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Boise City to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 924 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Boise City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $45,320 in the Boise City MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 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 Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $81,308 in Boise City — a 4.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boise City.
City profiles: Boise City, ID · Tempe, AZ.