Moving from Nampa, ID to Worcester, MA
Cross-country relocations like Nampa, ID → Worcester, MA cover 2650 mi and about 46h 45m of driving through 12 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2650 mi · 46h 45m by car · MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Nampa | Worcester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 102.523 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 155.206 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 113.001 | 100.0 |
Worcester and Nampa are close on the overall BEA RPP (98.391 vs 102.523); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Nampa +0.2%, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Nampa | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 80°F |
| Annual snowfall | 9.7" | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.0" | 48.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 52.0°F vs 48.1°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Worcester sees 72.9 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, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Nampa | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,289 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $72,122 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.8% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.85 | 2.6 |
Income steps down 4.2%: $72,122 in Nampa vs $67,544 in Worcester.
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 — 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — 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 — 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 — Worcester averages 72.9 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Nampa vs Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $72,122 in Nampa — a 6.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Nampa to Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2650 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Nampa and Worcester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.1°F in Worcester vs 52.0°F in Nampa (3.9°F colder). Annual snowfall: 72.9 in vs 9.7 in. Annual precipitation: 48.3 in vs 11.0 in.
How far is Worcester, MA from Nampa, ID?
The driving distance is 2650 mi and the route typically takes 46h 45m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Worcester more expensive than Nampa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 4.2% higher than Nampa (102.523 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Worcester compared to Nampa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $430,112 in Worcester vs $412,277 in Nampa — a 4.3% 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 · Worcester, MA.