Moving from Nampa, ID to Cambridge, MA
Moving from Nampa, ID to Cambridge, MA 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
| Nampa | Cambridge | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 98.391 in Nampa to 108.266 in Cambridge, a 10.0% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Cambridge: 10.0% above Nampa on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Nampa +0.2%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Nampa | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 9.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.0" | 49.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Nampa | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,289 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $72,122 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.8% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.85 | 2.38 |
Median household income in Cambridge is 10.0% above Nampa ($72,122 vs $126,469, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Idaho and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Nampa vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $72,122 in Nampa β a 75.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Nampa to Cambridge?
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.
Is Cambridge more expensive than Nampa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cambridge is 10.0% higher than Nampa (108.266 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cambridge compared to Nampa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $412,277 in Nampa β a 152.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cambridge, MA from Nampa, ID?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Nampa.
City profiles: Nampa, ID Β· Cambridge, MA.