Moving from Nampa, ID to San Mateo, CA
Relocating 639 mi from Nampa to San Mateo is a 11h 52m 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.
639 mi Β· 11h 52m by car Β· ID β OR β NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | ID β OR β NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 95, ID 55 |
| Major cities en route | Boise City, Meridian, Sparks, Reno, Roseville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Nampa | San Mateo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
San Mateo runs about 17.5% more expensive overall than Nampa β RPP 98.391 β 115.613.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $412,277 in Nampa to $1,686,905 in San Mateo, a 17.5% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Nampa +0.2%, San Mateo +0.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Nampa | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 73Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 9.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.0" | 19.6" |
Expect 6.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US, SAN FRANCISCO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Nampa | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,289 | 103,555 |
| Median household income | $72,122 | $152,669 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 38 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.8% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.85 | 2.6 |
Expect median household income to rise 17.5% β $72,122 β $152,669 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in San Mateo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Idaho and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is San Mateo more expensive than Nampa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in San Mateo is 17.5% higher than Nampa (115.613 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Nampa vs San Mateo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $152,669 in San Mateo vs $72,122 in Nampa β a 111.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Nampa to San Mateo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 639 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in San Mateo compared to Nampa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,686,905 in San Mateo vs $412,277 in Nampa β a 309.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in San Mateo compare to Nampa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the San Mateo MSA vs $45,320 in the Nampa MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is San Mateo, CA from Nampa, ID?
The driving distance is 639 mi and the route typically takes 11h 52m via I 80 and US 95. The trip crosses 4 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· San Mateo, CA.