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Moving from Illinois to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

IL state flag
Living now

Illinois

Capital: Springfield

Median household income $78,433 · winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days

Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

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
Illinois
100.0
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 4.5% lower overall price level
Housing index
Illinois
93.9
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 4.2% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Illinois
103.8
Idaho
96.3
Idaho has 7.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Idaho
99.3
Idaho has 0.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Illinois
20.5 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 38% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Idaho
99.1
Idaho has 0.9% lower transportation
Median home value
Illinois
$280,700
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 59% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Illinois
$1,322/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 4.7% more expensive 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
Illinois
85°F
Idaho
87°F
Idaho is 2.4% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Illinois
19°F
Idaho
22°F
Idaho is 16% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Illinois
52°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 12% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Illinois
189
Idaho
199
Idaho has 5.3% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Illinois
40 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 57% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Illinois
82
Idaho
24
Idaho has 71% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Illinois
2
Idaho
12
Idaho has 500% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Illinois
19 in
Idaho
51 in
Idaho is 168% more annual snowfall

Get the full IllinoisIdaho 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 Illinois?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.4 for Illinois, 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?

Illinois tops out at 4.95% 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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