Moving from Elgin, IL to Nampa, ID
Cross-country relocations like Elgin, IL → Nampa, ID cover 1681 mi and about 28h 45m of driving through 6 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1681 mi · 28h 45m by car · IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Omaha |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | Nampa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Nampa is 5.0% cheaper than Elgin overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Nampa is 5.0% above Elgin — $329,682 vs $412,277 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Nampa +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elgin | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | 9.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 11.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Elgin (49.0°F) and Nampa (52.0°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Nampa averages 9.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 106,289 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $72,122 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 16.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.85 |
Income steps down 5.0%: $88,316 in Elgin vs $72,122 in Nampa.
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 Illinois 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 Elgin 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 1681 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Elgin and Nampa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.0°F in Nampa vs 49.0°F in Elgin (3.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 9.7 in vs 32.1 in. Annual precipitation: 11.0 in vs 39.9 in.
How far is Nampa, ID from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 1681 mi and the route typically takes 28h 45m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Nampa more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Nampa is 5.0% lower than Elgin (98.391 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Nampa compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $412,277 in Nampa vs $329,682 in Elgin — a 25.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Nampa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,122 in Nampa vs $88,316 in Elgin — a 18.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Nampa compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Nampa MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL · Nampa, ID.