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Moving from Iowa to Idaho
A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.
Iowa
Capital: Des Moines
Median household income $70,571 · winter low 13°F · 200 sunny days
Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.
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.
Summer high 87°F · Winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days/yr.
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Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.
See the full comparisonFrequently asked
Is it cheaper to live in Idaho than Iowa?
Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 90 for Iowa, 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?
Iowa tops out at 3.8% 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.