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Moving from Idaho to Alabama

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

ID state flag
Living now

Idaho

Capital: Boise

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

Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

AL state flag
Moving to

Alabama

Capital: Montgomery

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

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

Alabama has an overall price level 88.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Idaho
95.5
Alabama
88.8
Alabama has 7.0% lower overall price level
Housing index
Idaho
90.0
Alabama
61.8
Alabama has 31% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Idaho
98.9
Alabama
97.2
Alabama has 1.7% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Idaho
99.3
Alabama
98.3
Alabama has 1.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Idaho
13 ¢/kWh
Alabama
17.2 ¢/kWh
Alabama has 32% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Idaho
99.1
Alabama
97.8
Alabama has 1.3% lower transportation
Median home value
Idaho
$446,400
Alabama
$233,300
Alabama is 48% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Idaho
$1,057/mo
Alabama
$889/mo
Alabama is 16% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 91°F · Winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Idaho
87°F
Alabama
91°F
Alabama is 4.6% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Idaho
22°F
Alabama
35°F
Alabama is 59% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Idaho
199°F
Alabama
63°F
Alabama is 68% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Idaho
19
Alabama
213
Alabama has 1021% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Idaho
34 in
Alabama
56 in
Alabama is 64% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Idaho
50
Alabama
42
Alabama has 16% lower AQI
Snow / year
1 in

Get the full IdahoAlabama report

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

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Alabama than Idaho?

Alabama's overall price level is roughly 87.9 (US avg = 100), vs about 92.8 for Idaho — 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?

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

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

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

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