Moving from Independence, MO to Nampa, ID
A move from Independence, MO to Nampa, ID covers 1399 mi and around 23h 43m of driving through 6 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.
1399 mi · 23h 43m by car · MO → IA → NE → WY → UT → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → IA → NE → WY → UT → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 29 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Kansas City, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Nampa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 6.3% pricier overall in Nampa than Independence on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Nampa typical home at $412,277 is 6.3% above Independence at $208,158 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Nampa +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Independence | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | 9.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 11.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 54.0°F vs 52.0°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 9.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 106,289 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $72,122 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 16.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.85 |
Median household income in Nampa is 6.3% above Independence ($59,480 vs $72,122, ACS 5-year 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 Missouri 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
How does the job market in Nampa compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Nampa MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Nampa, ID from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 1399 mi and the route typically takes 23h 43m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Nampa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,122 in Nampa vs $59,480 in Independence — a 21.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Independence and Nampa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.0°F in Nampa vs 54.0°F in Independence (2.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 9.7 in vs 13.2 in. Annual precipitation: 11.0 in vs 44.7 in.
When is the best time to move from Independence 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 1399 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Nampa more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Nampa is 6.3% higher than Independence (98.391 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Nampa compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $412,277 in Nampa vs $208,158 in Independence — 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 Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO · Nampa, ID.