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Moving from Colorado to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

CO state flag
Living now

Colorado

Capital: Denver

Median household income $87,598 · winter low 18°F · 245 sunny days

Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed.

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
Colorado
103.1
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 7.3% lower overall price level
Housing index
Colorado
127.4
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 29% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Colorado
98.7
Idaho
96.3
Idaho has 2.4% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Colorado
100.5
Idaho
99.3
Idaho has 1.1% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Colorado
16.5 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 23% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Colorado
100.6
Idaho
99.1
Idaho has 1.5% lower transportation
Median home value
Colorado
$574,600
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 22% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Colorado
$1,822/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 24% 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
Colorado
86°F
Idaho
87°F
Idaho is 1.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Colorado
18°F
Idaho
22°F
Idaho is 22% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Colorado
46°F
Idaho
46°F
Sunny days / year
Colorado
245
Idaho
199
Idaho has 19% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Colorado
17 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 4.8% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Colorado
49
Idaho
24
Idaho has 51% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Colorado
8
Idaho
12
Idaho has 50% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Colorado
69 in
Idaho
51 in
Idaho is 26% less annual snowfall

Get the full ColoradoIdaho 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 Colorado?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 103 for Colorado, 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?

Colorado tops out at 4.4% 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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