Moving from Seattle, WA to Boise City, ID
It is a 490 mi drive, roughly 9h 11m, between Seattle, WA and Boise City, ID. 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.
490 mi Β· 9h 11m by car Β· WA β OR β ID
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR β ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, US 30, US 395 |
| Major cities en route | Everett, Tacoma, Bellevue, Renton, Kent |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Seattle | Boise City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Expect about 11.5% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Boise City at 98.391 vs Seattle at 111.133.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Seattle -2.3%, Boise City β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Seattle | Boise City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | 17.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.8" | 11.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Seattle (53.2Β°F) and Boise City (53.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Boise City averages 17.6 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SEATTLE SAND PT WSFO, WA US, BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Seattle | Boise City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 741,440 | 235,701 |
| Median household income | $121,984 | $81,308 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.6% | 29.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.1 | 2.37 |
Boise City households earn about 11.5% less than Seattle at the median β $121,984 β $81,308 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Boise City 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 Washington 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 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
- Winter gear first: Boise City averages 17.6 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Boise City average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Boise City sees only 11.5 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
Is Boise City more expensive than Seattle?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boise City is 11.5% lower than Seattle (98.391 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Seattle vs Boise City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,308 in Boise City vs $121,984 in Seattle β a 33.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Boise City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 490 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 Boise City compare to Seattle?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Boise City MSA vs $65,260 in the Seattle MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Boise City, ID from Seattle, WA?
The driving distance is 490 mi and the route typically takes 9h 11m via I 84 and US 30. The trip crosses 3 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 Seattle.
City profiles: Seattle, WA Β· Boise City, ID.