Moving from Lincoln, NE to Nampa, ID
A move from Lincoln, NE to Nampa, ID covers 1194 mi and around 19h 48m of driving through 4 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.
1194 mi · 19h 48m by car · NE → WY → UT → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → WY → UT → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Salt Lake City, Boise City, Meridian |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Nampa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 7.4% pricier overall in Nampa than Lincoln 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 7.4% above Lincoln at $291,062 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Nampa +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lincoln | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | 9.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 11.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 52.3°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: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 106,289 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $72,122 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 16.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.85 |
Household income lines up — $69,991 vs $72,122 on 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 Nebraska 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
What is the climate difference between Lincoln and Nampa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.0°F in Nampa vs 52.3°F in Lincoln (0.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 9.7 in vs 26.0 in. Annual precipitation: 11.0 in vs 29.3 in.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln 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 1194 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 Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Nampa MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Nampa compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $412,277 in Nampa vs $291,062 in Lincoln — a 41.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Nampa, ID from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 1194 mi and the route typically takes 19h 48m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Nampa more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Nampa is 7.4% higher than Lincoln (98.391 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Nampa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,122 in Nampa vs $69,991 in Lincoln — a 3.0% higher 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 Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE · Nampa, ID.