Moving from Nampa, ID to Tacoma, WA
Relocating between Nampa, ID and Tacoma, WA is a 487 mi drive β 9h 8m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
487 mi Β· 9h 8m by car Β· WA β OR β ID
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR β ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 395, I 84, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Kent, Seattle, Renton, Bellevue, Meridian |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Nampa | Tacoma | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 13.0% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.0% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Nampa +0.2%, Tacoma -0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Nampa | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 9.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.0" | 40.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Nampa (52.0Β°F) and Tacoma (53.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US, TACOMA #1, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Nampa | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,289 | 220,482 |
| Median household income | $72,122 | $83,857 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 37.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.8% | 21% |
| Avg household size | 2.85 | 2.41 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 13.0% higher in Tacoma than Nampa.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tacoma MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Idaho and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- 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
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Nampa vs Tacoma?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,857 in Tacoma vs $72,122 in Nampa β a 16.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Tacoma, WA from Nampa, ID?
The driving distance is 487 mi and the route typically takes 9h 8m via US 395 and I 84. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Tacoma compared to Nampa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $493,840 in Tacoma vs $412,277 in Nampa β a 19.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Tacoma more expensive than Nampa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tacoma is 13.0% higher than Nampa (111.133 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 Tacoma?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 487 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Tacoma compare to Nampa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA vs $45,320 in the Nampa MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 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 Β· Tacoma, WA.