Moving from Des Moines, IA to Nampa, ID
A move from Des Moines, IA to Nampa, ID covers 1379 mi and around 23h 7m of driving through 5 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.
1379 mi · 23h 7m by car · IA → NE → WY → UT → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → NE → WY → UT → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Lincoln, Salt Lake City, Boise City, Meridian |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Nampa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.701 in Des Moines to 98.391 in Nampa, a 7.3% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Nampa: 7.3% above Des Moines on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Nampa +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 9.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 11.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Nampa gets around 9.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 106,289 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $72,122 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 16.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.85 |
Median household income in Nampa is 7.3% above Des Moines ($63,966 → $72,122, ACS 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 Iowa 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
- 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
When is the best time to move from Des Moines 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 1379 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Nampa compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Nampa MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Nampa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.0°F in Nampa vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (1.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 9.7 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 11.0 in vs 36.6 in.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Nampa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,122 in Nampa vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 12.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Nampa, ID from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1379 mi and the route typically takes 23h 7m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Nampa more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Nampa is 7.3% higher than Des Moines (98.391 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Nampa compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $412,277 in Nampa vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 98.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Nampa, ID.