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Moving from Idaho to Colorado

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

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.

CO state flag
Moving to

Colorado

Capital: Denver

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

Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed.

Colorado has an overall price level 103.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Idaho
95.5
Colorado
103.1
Colorado has 7.9% higher overall price level
Housing index
Idaho
90.0
Colorado
127.4
Colorado has 41% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Idaho
96.3
Colorado
98.7
Colorado has 2.5% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Idaho
99.3
Colorado
100.5
Colorado has 1.1% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Colorado
16.5 ¢/kWh
Colorado has 30% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Idaho
99.1
Colorado
100.6
Colorado has 1.5% higher transportation
Median home value
Idaho
$446,400
Colorado
$574,600
Colorado is 29% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Colorado
$1,822/mo
Colorado is 32% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 86°F · Winter low 18°F · 245 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Idaho
87°F
Colorado
86°F
Colorado is 1.1% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Idaho
22°F
Colorado
18°F
Colorado is 18% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Idaho
46°F
Colorado
46°F
Sunny days / year
Idaho
199
Colorado
245
Colorado has 23% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Idaho
17 in
Colorado
17 in
Colorado is 4.6% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Idaho
24
Colorado
49
Colorado has 104% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Idaho
12
Colorado
8
Colorado has 33% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Idaho
51 in
Colorado
69 in
Colorado is 35% more annual snowfall

Get the full IdahoColorado 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 Colorado than Idaho?

Colorado's overall price level is roughly 103 (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. Colorado tops out at 4.4%.

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

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

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