Moving from Cambridge, MA to Nampa, ID
Moving from Cambridge, MA to Nampa, ID is a 2684 mi cross-country relocation β about 47h 25m of driving through 12 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2684 mi Β· 47h 25m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β WY β UT β ID
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β WY β UT β ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Boston, Lowell, Brockton, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Nampa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 108.266 to 98.391, putting Nampa roughly 9.1% below Cambridge on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Nampa: 9.1% below Cambridge on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Nampa +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 9.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 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 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 106,289 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $72,122 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 16.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.85 |
Median household income in Nampa is 9.1% below Cambridge ($126,469 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 Massachusetts 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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.
- 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 93Β°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
Is Nampa more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Nampa is 9.1% lower than Cambridge (98.391 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Nampa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2684 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Nampa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,122 in Nampa vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 43.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Nampa, ID from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 2684 mi and the route typically takes 47h 25m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Nampa compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $412,277 in Nampa vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 60.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Nampa, ID.