Moving from Nampa, ID to Renton, WA
Moving from Nampa, ID to Renton, WA covers 471 mi and about 8h 45m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
471 mi Β· 8h 45m by car Β· ID β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | ID β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, US 30, ID 55 |
| Major cities en route | Boise City, Meridian, Bellevue, Everett, Seattle |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Nampa | Renton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 13.0% pricier overall in Renton than Nampa on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Renton typical home at $764,375 is 13.0% above Nampa at $412,277 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Nampa +0.2%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Nampa | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 9.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.0" | 34.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.0Β°F vs 53.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Nampa | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,289 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $72,122 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.8% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.85 | 2.55 |
Median household income in Renton is 13.0% above Nampa ($72,122 vs $96,626, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Renton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Idaho and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Nampa vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $72,122 in Nampa β a 34.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Renton, WA from Nampa, ID?
The driving distance is 471 mi and the route typically takes 8h 45m via I 84 and US 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Renton more expensive than Nampa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 13.0% higher than Nampa (111.133 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Nampa to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 471 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Renton compare to Nampa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $45,320 in the Nampa MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Renton compared to Nampa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $412,277 in Nampa β a 85.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Nampa.
City profiles: Nampa, ID Β· Renton, WA.