Moving from Topeka, KS to Nampa, ID
The drive from Topeka, KS to Nampa, ID runs 1362 mi β about 22h 48m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1362 mi Β· 22h 48m by car Β· KS β CO β WY β UT β ID
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β CO β WY β UT β ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Denver, Centennial, Thornton, Lakewood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Nampa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 10.8% pricier overall in Nampa than Topeka on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Nampa typical home at $412,277 is 10.8% above Topeka at $190,096 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Nampa +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 9.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 11.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.9Β°F vs 52.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 9.7 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, NAMPA SUGAR FACTORY, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Nampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 106,289 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $72,122 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 16.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.85 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 10.8% between Topeka and Nampa (ACS 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 Kansas 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β 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
- 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 far is Nampa, ID from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 1362 mi and the route typically takes 22h 48m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Nampa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1362 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Nampa more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Nampa is 10.8% higher than Topeka (98.391 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Nampa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,122 in Nampa vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 29.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Nampa compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Nampa MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Nampa compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $412,277 in Nampa vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 116.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Nampa, ID.