Moving from West Jordan, UT to Meridian, ID
It is a 361 mi drive, roughly 5h 58m, between West Jordan, UT and Meridian, 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.
361 mi Β· 5h 58m by car Β· ID β UT
Distance & route
| Route through | ID β UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, US 30, I 15 |
| Major cities en route | Nampa, Boise City, Salt Lake City, West Valley City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| West Jordan | Meridian | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.868 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 79 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.446 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.311 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
West Jordan and Meridian sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Meridian run about 2.5% cheaper β ZHVI $561,836 β $526,994 (2026-03).
YoY change: West Jordan +1.7%, Meridian 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | West Jordan | Meridian |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 17.6" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 11.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.5Β°F vs 53.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Meridian sees 17.6 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DRAPER-POINT OF MTN, UT US, BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | West Jordan | Meridian |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 116,277 | 124,865 |
| Median household income | $103,960 | $98,686 |
| Median age | 33.1 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 29.3% |
| Avg household size | 3.2 | 2.75 |
Households in Meridian earn about 2.5% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Meridian 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 Utah 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
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Meridian 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 Meridian 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: Meridian 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
How does household income compare in West Jordan vs Meridian?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,686 in Meridian vs $103,960 in West Jordan β a 5.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Meridian more expensive than West Jordan?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Meridian is 2.5% lower than West Jordan (98.391 vs 100.868, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Meridian compared to West Jordan?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $526,994 in Meridian vs $561,836 in West Jordan β a 6.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from West Jordan to Meridian?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 361 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Meridian, ID from West Jordan, UT?
The driving distance is 361 mi and the route typically takes 5h 58m via I 84 and US 30. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Meridian compare to West Jordan?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Meridian MSA vs $49,440 in the West Jordan MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 803,800 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 West Jordan.
City profiles: West Jordan, UT Β· Meridian, ID.