Moving from Spokane, WA to Nampa, ID
Relocating between Spokane, WA and Nampa, ID is a 403 mi drive β 7h 24m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
403 mi Β· 7h 24m by car Β· WA β OR β ID
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR β ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 395, I 84, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Spokane Valley, Meridian, Boise City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane | Nampa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.346 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.196 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.028 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.059 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 100.346 vs 98.391 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $395,325 vs $412,277.
YoY change: Spokane 0.0%, Nampa +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 9.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.4" | 11.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Spokane (49.8Β°F) and Nampa (52.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Nampa averages 9.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 229,228 | 106,289 |
| Median household income | $65,745 | $72,122 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 16.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.85 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.9% higher in Nampa than Spokane.
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 Washington 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 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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Nampa average 93Β°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 the job market in Nampa compare to Spokane?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Nampa MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 255,160 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Nampa compared to Spokane?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $412,277 in Nampa vs $395,325 in Spokane β a 4.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Nampa, ID from Spokane, WA?
The driving distance is 403 mi and the route typically takes 7h 24m via US 395 and I 84. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Spokane vs Nampa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,122 in Nampa vs $65,745 in Spokane β a 9.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Nampa more expensive than Spokane?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Nampa is 1.9% lower than Spokane (98.391 vs 100.346, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Spokane to Nampa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 403 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Spokane.
City profiles: Spokane, WA Β· Nampa, ID.