Moving from Manchester, NH to Nampa, ID
Cross-country relocations like Manchester, NH → Nampa, ID cover 2714 mi and about 48h 11m of driving through 13 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.
2714 mi · 48h 11m by car · NH → MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | NH → MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Lowell, Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Manchester | Nampa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.657 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.535 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.687 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 134.22 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 105.657 to 98.391, putting Nampa roughly 6.9% below Manchester on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Nampa ZHVI at $412,277 is 6.9% below Manchester at $435,334.
YoY change: Manchester +1.5%, Nampa +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Manchester | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 13°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 81°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 52.8" | 9.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 42.5" | 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: MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US, NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Manchester | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,415 | 106,289 |
| Median household income | $77,415 | $72,122 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 16.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.85 |
Income steps down 6.9%: $77,415 in Manchester 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 New Hampshire 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-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather — check NH 511.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — 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 — 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 household income compare in Manchester vs Nampa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,122 in Nampa vs $77,415 in Manchester — a 6.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Manchester 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 2714 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Nampa, ID from Manchester, NH?
The driving distance is 2714 mi and the route typically takes 48h 11m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 13 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Nampa more expensive than Manchester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Nampa is 6.9% lower than Manchester (98.391 vs 105.657, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Nampa compared to Manchester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $412,277 in Nampa vs $435,334 in Manchester — a 5.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Manchester and Nampa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.0°F in Nampa vs 47.4°F in Manchester (4.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 9.7 in vs 52.8 in. Annual precipitation: 11.0 in vs 42.5 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Manchester.
City profiles: Manchester, NH · Nampa, ID.