Moving from Sparks, NV to Nampa, ID
Moving from Sparks, NV to Nampa, ID covers 401 mi and about 7h 17m 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.
401 mi · 7h 17m by car · NV → OR → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | NV → OR → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 95, I 80, ID 55 |
| Major cities en route | Reno, Meridian, Boise City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sparks | Nampa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.014 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.274 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.478 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Sparks (101.014) and Nampa (98.391) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Nampa: 2.6% below Sparks on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Sparks -0.5%, Nampa +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Sparks | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 25°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.8" | 9.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.4" | 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: SPARKS, NV US, NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sparks | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,106 | 106,289 |
| Median household income | $86,979 | $72,122 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 16.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.64 | 2.85 |
Median household income in Nampa is 2.6% below Sparks ($86,979 → $72,122, ACS 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 Nevada 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
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- 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
How does household income compare in Sparks vs Nampa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,122 in Nampa vs $86,979 in Sparks — a 17.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Nampa compared to Sparks?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $412,277 in Nampa vs $529,283 in Sparks — a 22.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Nampa compare to Sparks?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Nampa MSA vs $47,540 in the Sparks MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 254,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Sparks and Nampa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.0°F in Nampa vs 53.5°F in Sparks (1.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 9.7 in vs 6.8 in. Annual precipitation: 11.0 in vs 8.4 in.
Is Nampa more expensive than Sparks?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Nampa is 2.6% lower than Sparks (98.391 vs 101.014, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Sparks 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 401 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Nampa, ID from Sparks, NV?
The driving distance is 401 mi and the route typically takes 7h 17m via US 95 and I 80. 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 Sparks.
City profiles: Sparks, NV · Nampa, ID.