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Moving from Idaho to Massachusetts

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative. vs. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

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.

MA state flag
Moving to

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

Massachusetts has an overall price level 105.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Idaho
95.5
Massachusetts
105.8
Massachusetts has 11% higher overall price level
Housing index
Idaho
90.0
Massachusetts
128.1
Massachusetts has 42% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Idaho
98.9
Massachusetts
101.4
Massachusetts has 2.6% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Idaho
99.3
Massachusetts
100.9
Massachusetts has 1.5% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Idaho
13 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts has 132% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Idaho
99.1
Massachusetts
101.2
Massachusetts has 2.1% higher transportation
Median home value
Idaho
$446,400
Massachusetts
$607,400
Massachusetts is 36% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Idaho
$1,057/mo
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
Massachusetts is 40% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Idaho
87°F
Massachusetts
82°F
Massachusetts is 5.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Idaho
22°F
Massachusetts
22°F
Avg annual temperature
Idaho
199°F
Massachusetts
48°F
Massachusetts is 76% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Idaho
19
Massachusetts
200
Massachusetts has 953% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Idaho
34 in
Massachusetts
49 in
Massachusetts is 44% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Idaho
50
Massachusetts
29
Massachusetts has 42% lower AQI
Snow / year
50 in

Get the full IdahoMassachusetts report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Massachusetts than Idaho?

Massachusetts's overall price level is roughly 109.7 (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. Massachusetts tops out at 9%.

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

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

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