Moving from Lowell, MA to Nampa, ID
It is 2689 mi and 47h 33m from Lowell to Nampa β a cross-country move across 12 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2689 mi Β· 47h 33m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β WY β UT β ID
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β WY β UT β ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Boston, Cambridge, Manchester, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Nampa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Expect about 9.1% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Nampa at 98.391 vs Lowell at 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 9.1% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Nampa +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 9.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 11.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Lowell (49.0Β°F) and Nampa (52.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Nampa averages 9.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 106,289 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $72,122 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 16.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.85 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 9.1% lower in Nampa than Lowell.
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 Massachusetts 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β 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 93Β°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 household income compare in Lowell vs Nampa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,122 in Nampa vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 5.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Nampa, ID from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 2689 mi and the route typically takes 47h 33m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Nampa compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $412,277 in Nampa vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 14.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Nampa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2689 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Nampa more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Nampa is 9.1% lower than Lowell (98.391 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Nampa, ID.