Moving from Nampa, ID to Allentown, PA
It is 2416 mi and 42h 14m from Nampa to Allentown — a cross-country move across 9 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2416 mi · 42h 14m by car · PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Akron, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Nampa | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Nampa and Allentown sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $412,277 in Nampa to $309,699 in Allentown, a 1.6% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Nampa +0.2%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Nampa | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 9.7" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.0" | 47.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 52.0°F vs 53.1°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Allentown sees 33.1 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Nampa | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,289 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $72,122 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.8% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.85 | 2.72 |
Expect median household income to fall 1.6% — $72,122 → $53,403 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Allentown MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 54,700 | $44,160 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 44,170 | $43,910 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,110 | $29,620 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 29,400 | $34,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 28,860 | $79,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Idaho and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
- 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 — 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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Allentown averages 33.1 in annually vs 9.7 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- 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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Nampa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $45,320 in the Nampa MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Allentown more expensive than Nampa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 1.6% higher than Nampa (99.968 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Nampa vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $72,122 in Nampa — a 26.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Nampa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $412,277 in Nampa — a 24.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Nampa and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 52.0°F in Nampa (1.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 9.7 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 11.0 in.
When is the best time to move from Nampa to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2416 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Allentown, PA from Nampa, ID?
The driving distance is 2416 mi and the route typically takes 42h 14m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 9 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 Nampa.
City profiles: Nampa, ID · Allentown, PA.