Moving from Nampa, ID to Des Moines, IA
A move from Nampa, ID to Des Moines, IA covers 1379 mi and around 23h 7m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1379 mi · 23h 7m by car · IA → NE → WY → UT → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → NE → WY → UT → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Lincoln, Salt Lake City, Boise City, Meridian |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Nampa | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Des Moines are 6.8% below Nampa — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Des Moines typical home at $208,166 is 6.8% under Nampa at $412,277 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Nampa +0.2%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Nampa | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 9.7" | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.0" | 36.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 52.0°F vs 50.9°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Des Moines sees 36.5 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, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Nampa | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,289 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $72,122 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.8% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.85 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Des Moines is 6.8% below Nampa ($72,122 → $63,966, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Des Moines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 48,550 | $46,670 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,680 | $36,420 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 34,890 | $78,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,360 | $45,430 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,210 | $30,100 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Idaho and Iowa
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Iowa'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
- 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 — Des Moines averages 36.5 in annually vs 9.7 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- Tornado season runs April through June — identify a safe room or interior space early.
- 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 Iowa after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Nampa vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $72,122 in Nampa — a 11.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Nampa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 6.8% lower than Nampa (91.701 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Nampa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $412,277 in Nampa — a 49.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Nampa and Des Moines?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.9°F in Des Moines vs 52.0°F in Nampa (1.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 36.5 in vs 9.7 in. Annual precipitation: 36.6 in vs 11.0 in.
When is the best time to move from Nampa to Des Moines?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1379 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Nampa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $45,320 in the Nampa MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Nampa, ID?
The driving distance is 1379 mi and the route typically takes 23h 7m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 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 · Des Moines, IA.