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Moving from Alaska to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

AK state flag
Living now

Alaska

Capital: Juneau

Median household income $86,631 · winter low 8°F · 142 sunny days

Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state.

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
Alaska
102.4
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 6.7% lower overall price level
Housing index
Alaska
93.8
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 4.0% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Alaska
106.3
Idaho
96.3
Idaho has 9.4% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Alaska
100.4
Idaho
99.3
Idaho has 1.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Alaska
27.4 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 54% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Alaska
100.5
Idaho
99.1
Idaho has 1.4% lower transportation
Median home value
Alaska
$376,500
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 19% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Alaska
$1,444/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 4.2% cheaper 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
Alaska
65°F
Idaho
87°F
Idaho is 34% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Alaska
8°F
Idaho
22°F
Idaho is 175% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Alaska
33°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 40% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Alaska
142
Idaho
199
Idaho has 40% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Alaska
42 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 58% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Alaska
3
Idaho
24
Idaho has 700% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Alaska
2,769
Idaho
12
Idaho has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Alaska
85 in
Idaho
51 in
Idaho is 40% less annual snowfall

Get the full AlaskaIdaho 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 Alaska?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.2 for Alaska, 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?

Alaska tops out at 0% 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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