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Moving from Maryland to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

MD state flag
Living now

Maryland

Capital: Annapolis

Median household income $98,461 · winter low 25°F · 198 sunny days

DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay.

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
Maryland
105.0
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 9.0% lower overall price level
Housing index
Maryland
121.1
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 26% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Maryland
102.5
Idaho
96.3
Idaho has 6.1% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maryland
100.7
Idaho
99.3
Idaho has 1.4% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Maryland
22.1 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 42% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maryland
101.0
Idaho
99.1
Idaho has 1.9% lower transportation
Median home value
Maryland
$436,300
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 2.3% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maryland
$1,721/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 20% cheaper 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
Maryland
87°F
Idaho
87°F
Avg winter low
Maryland
25°F
Idaho
22°F
Idaho is 12% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Maryland
55°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 17% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maryland
198
Idaho
199
Idaho has 0.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maryland
44 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 60% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Maryland
44
Idaho
24
Idaho has 45% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Maryland
0
Idaho
12
Snow / year
Maryland
28 in
Idaho
51 in
Idaho is 82% more annual snowfall

Get the full MarylandIdaho 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 Maryland?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.1 for Maryland, 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?

Maryland tops out at 6.5% 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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