Moving from Nampa, ID to McAllen, TX
Moving from Nampa, ID to McAllen, TX is a 1891 mi cross-country relocation — about 34h 47m of driving through 5 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1891 mi · 34h 47m by car · TX → NM → CO → UT → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → NM → CO → UT → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 84, I 84, US 191 |
| Major cities en route | San Antonio, Lubbock, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Provo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Nampa | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
McAllen is 12.7% cheaper than Nampa overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in McAllen is 12.7% below Nampa — $412,277 vs $229,001 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Nampa +0.2%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Nampa | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 9.7" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.0" | 18.7" |
McAllen runs 23.5°F warmer on the annual average (52.0°F vs 75.5°F) — a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
McAllen gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Nampa | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,289 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $72,122 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.8% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.85 | 2.98 |
Median household income in McAllen is 12.7% below Nampa ($72,122 → $60,165, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in McAllen MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 49,560 | $22,940 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 42,390 | $22,490 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,950 | $34,890 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 28,370 | $58,670 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 26,190 | $23,220 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Idaho and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts 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 McAllen average 98°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (23.5°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Nampa vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $72,122 in Nampa — a 16.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Nampa and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 52.0°F in Nampa (23.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 9.7 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 11.0 in.
Is McAllen more expensive than Nampa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 12.7% lower than Nampa (85.895 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Nampa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $412,277 in Nampa — a 44.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is McAllen, TX from Nampa, ID?
The driving distance is 1891 mi and the route typically takes 34h 47m via US 84 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Nampa to McAllen?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1891 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Nampa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $45,320 in the Nampa MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Nampa.
City profiles: Nampa, ID · McAllen, TX.