Moving from Portland, OR to Nampa, ID
It is a 411 mi drive, roughly 7h 33m, between Portland, OR and Nampa, ID. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
411 mi · 7h 33m by car · OR → WA → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | OR → WA → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, US 30, US 20 |
| Major cities en route | Hillsboro, Vancouver, Gresham, Meridian, Boise City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Portland | Nampa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 6.7% moving from Portland to Nampa — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $534,638 in Portland to $412,277 in Nampa, a 6.7% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Portland -1.1%, Nampa +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Portland | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 37°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.6" | 9.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.1" | 11.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 54.8°F vs 52.0°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 9.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PORTLAND KGW-TV, OR US, NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Portland | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 642,715 | 106,289 |
| Median household income | $88,792 | $72,122 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.1% | 16.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.24 | 2.85 |
Households in Nampa earn about 6.7% less at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Nampa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 49,860 | $40,850 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 32,370 | $39,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,530 | $29,290 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,420 | $37,030 |
| Management Occupations | 29,410 | $89,660 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oregon and Idaho
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Idaho'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
- 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 — check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Nampa average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Nampa sees only 11.0 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Idaho after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Portland vs Nampa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,122 in Nampa vs $88,792 in Portland — a 18.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Nampa compare to Portland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Nampa MSA vs $55,940 in the Portland MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Nampa compared to Portland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $412,277 in Nampa vs $534,638 in Portland — a 22.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Nampa, ID from Portland, OR?
The driving distance is 411 mi and the route typically takes 7h 33m via I 84 and US 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Portland and Nampa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.0°F in Nampa vs 54.8°F in Portland (2.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 9.7 in vs 3.6 in. Annual precipitation: 11.0 in vs 44.1 in.
Is Nampa more expensive than Portland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Nampa is 6.7% lower than Portland (98.391 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Portland to Nampa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 411 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Portland.
City profiles: Portland, OR · Nampa, ID.