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Moving from Alabama to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

AL state flag
Living now

Alabama

Capital: Montgomery

Median household income $59,674 · winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days

Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

ID state flag
Moving to

Idaho

Capital: Boise

Median household income $70,214 · winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days

Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

Idaho has an overall price level 95.5 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Alabama
88.8
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 7.5% higher overall price level
Housing index
Alabama
61.8
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 46% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Alabama
96.4
Idaho
96.3
Utilities index (modeled)
Alabama
98.3
Idaho
99.3
Idaho has 1.0% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Alabama
17.4 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 27% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Alabama
97.8
Idaho
99.1
Idaho has 1.4% higher transportation
Median home value
Alabama
$233,300
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 91% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Alabama
$1,077/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 29% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Alabama
91°F
Idaho
87°F
Idaho is 4.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Alabama
35°F
Idaho
22°F
Idaho is 37% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Alabama
63°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 27% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Alabama
213
Idaho
199
Idaho has 6.6% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Alabama
56 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 69% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Alabama
71
Idaho
24
Idaho has 66% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Alabama
0
Idaho
12
Snow / year
Alabama
1 in
Idaho
51 in
Idaho is 5000% more annual snowfall

Get the full AlabamaIdaho report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Idaho than Alabama?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 87.9 for Alabama, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Alabama tops out at 5% income tax. Idaho tops out at 5.3%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Idaho?

Most Idaho residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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