Moving from Seattle, WA to Nampa, ID
Moving from Seattle, WA to Nampa, ID covers 474 mi and about 8h 50m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
474 mi · 8h 50m by car · WA → OR → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | WA → OR → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 395, I 84, US 30 |
| 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 | Nampa | 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 |
RPP moves from 111.133 to 98.391, putting Nampa roughly 11.5% below Seattle on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Nampa: 11.5% below Seattle on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Seattle -2.3%, Nampa +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Seattle | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 37°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 77°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | 9.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.8" | 11.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Nampa gets around 9.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SEATTLE SAND PT WSFO, WA US, NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Seattle | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 741,440 | 106,289 |
| Median household income | $121,984 | $72,122 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.6% | 16.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.1 | 2.85 |
Median household income in Nampa is 11.5% below Seattle ($121,984 vs $72,122, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Nampa 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 — 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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March — 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Nampa average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Nampa sees only 11.0 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
What is the climate difference between Seattle and Nampa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.0°F in Nampa vs 53.2°F in Seattle (1.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 9.7 in vs 3.8 in. Annual precipitation: 11.0 in vs 37.8 in.
Is Nampa more expensive than Seattle?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Nampa is 11.5% lower than Seattle (98.391 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Nampa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 474 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Nampa, ID from Seattle, WA?
The driving distance is 474 mi and the route typically takes 8h 50m via US 395 and I 84. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Seattle vs Nampa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,122 in Nampa vs $121,984 in Seattle — a 40.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Nampa compare to Seattle?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Nampa 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 much do homes cost in Nampa compared to Seattle?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $412,277 in Nampa vs $868,680 in Seattle — a 52.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Seattle.
City profiles: Seattle, WA · Nampa, ID.