Moving from Centennial, CO to Meridian, ID
Relocating 838 mi from Centennial to Meridian is a 14h 4m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
838 mi Β· 14h 4m by car Β· ID β UT β WY β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | ID β UT β WY β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, I 80, US 189 |
| Major cities en route | Nampa, Boise City, Salt Lake City, Fort Collins, Greeley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Centennial | Meridian | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 7.0% cheaper overall in Meridian than Centennial on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 7.0% under Centennial β $649,086 β $526,994 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Centennial -2.8%, Meridian 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Centennial | Meridian |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 17.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.0" | 11.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 17.6 in of snowfall annually at Meridian.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US, BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Centennial | Meridian |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,386 | 124,865 |
| Median household income | $128,167 | $98,686 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37% | 29.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.75 |
Expect median household income to fall 7.0% β $128,167 β $98,686 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Colorado 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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
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 the job market in Meridian compare to Centennial?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Meridian MSA vs $58,490 in the Centennial MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Meridian, ID from Centennial, CO?
The driving distance is 838 mi and the route typically takes 14h 4m via I 84 and I 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Centennial to Meridian?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 838 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 Centennial vs Meridian?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,686 in Meridian vs $128,167 in Centennial β a 23.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Meridian compared to Centennial?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $526,994 in Meridian vs $649,086 in Centennial β a 18.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Meridian more expensive than Centennial?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Meridian is 7.0% lower than Centennial (98.391 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Centennial.
City profiles: Centennial, CO Β· Meridian, ID.