Moving from Nampa, ID to Long Beach, CA
The drive from Nampa, ID to Long Beach, CA runs 847 mi β about 16h 8m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
847 mi Β· 16h 8m by car Β· CA β NV β OR β ID
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β OR β ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 95, US 6 HIST, US 395 |
| Major cities en route | Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Orange |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Nampa | Long Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Long Beach is 15.4% higher than Nampa, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Long Beach is 15.4% above Nampa β $412,277 vs $857,861 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Nampa +0.2%, Long Beach +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Nampa | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 9.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.0" | 12.0" |
Climate warms by 12.9Β°F on the annual average β 52.0Β°F β 64.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US, LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Nampa | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,289 | 458,491 |
| Median household income | $72,122 | $83,969 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 36.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.8% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.85 | 2.68 |
Income steps up 15.4%: $72,122 in Nampa vs $83,969 in Long Beach.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Long Beach MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Idaho and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter 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
- Dry climate: Long Beach sees only 12.0 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (12.9Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Long Beach compare to Nampa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Long Beach MSA vs $45,320 in the Nampa MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Long Beach more expensive than Nampa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Long Beach is 15.4% higher than Nampa (113.566 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Nampa to Long Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 847 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Long Beach compared to Nampa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $857,861 in Long Beach vs $412,277 in Nampa β a 108.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Nampa vs Long Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,969 in Long Beach vs $72,122 in Nampa β a 16.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Long Beach, CA from Nampa, ID?
The driving distance is 847 mi and the route typically takes 16h 8m via US 95 and US 6 HIST. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Nampa.
City profiles: Nampa, ID Β· Long Beach, CA.