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Moving from Massachusetts to Idaho

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

MA state flag
Living now

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

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

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

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
Massachusetts
105.8
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 9.7% lower overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 30% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Massachusetts
98.8
Idaho
96.3
Idaho has 2.5% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
Idaho
99.3
Idaho has 1.5% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
29.5 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 57% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
Idaho
99.1
Idaho has 2.0% lower transportation
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 27% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,848/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 25% 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
Massachusetts
82°F
Idaho
87°F
Idaho is 6.1% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
Idaho
22°F
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
200°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 77% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
47
Idaho
199
Idaho has 323% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
46 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 62% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
0
Idaho
24
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Massachusetts
25
Idaho
12
Idaho has 52% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
51 in

Get the full MassachusettsIdaho 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 Massachusetts?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.7 for Massachusetts, 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?

Massachusetts tops out at 9% 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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