Moving from Nampa, ID to Vancouver, WA
It is a 413 mi drive, roughly 7h 37m, between Nampa, ID and Vancouver, WA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
413 mi Β· 7h 37m by car Β· WA β OR β ID
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR β ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, US 30, US 20 |
| Major cities en route | Hillsboro, Portland, Gresham, Meridian, Boise City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Nampa | Vancouver | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 105.421 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 106.974 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 105.222 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 125.114 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 7.1% above Nampa β 98.391 β 105.421 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
7.1% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Nampa +0.2%, Vancouver -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Nampa | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 9.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.0" | 37.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US, VANCOUVER PEARSON AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Nampa | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,289 | 192,696 |
| Median household income | $72,122 | $78,156 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.8% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.85 | 2.42 |
Households in Vancouver earn about 7.1% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Vancouver MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 141,870 | $47,870 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 104,880 | $44,260 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 99,580 | $34,860 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 96,250 | $41,260 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 92,520 | $79,400 |
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 much do homes cost in Vancouver compared to Nampa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $509,318 in Vancouver vs $412,277 in Nampa β a 23.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Nampa vs Vancouver?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,156 in Vancouver vs $72,122 in Nampa β a 8.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Vancouver more expensive than Nampa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Vancouver is 7.1% higher than Nampa (105.421 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 Vancouver?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 413 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Vancouver, WA from Nampa, ID?
The driving distance is 413 mi and the route typically takes 7h 37m via I 84 and US 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Vancouver compare to Nampa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,940 in the Vancouver MSA vs $45,320 in the Nampa MSA, on total employment of 1,206,150 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· Vancouver, WA.