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Moving from Minnesota to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

MN state flag
Living now

Minnesota

Capital: Saint Paul

Median household income $84,313 · winter low 4°F · 195 sunny days

Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools.

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
Minnesota
98.6
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 3.2% lower overall price level
Housing index
Minnesota
91.3
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 1.4% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Minnesota
100.5
Idaho
96.3
Idaho has 4.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.8
Idaho
99.3
Electricity rate
Minnesota
16.4 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 23% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.7
Idaho
99.1
Idaho has 0.6% lower transportation
Median home value
Minnesota
$344,600
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 30% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Minnesota
$1,291/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 7.2% 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
Minnesota
82°F
Idaho
87°F
Idaho is 6.1% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Minnesota
4°F
Idaho
22°F
Idaho is 450% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Minnesota
42°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 8.0% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Minnesota
195
Idaho
199
Idaho has 2.1% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Minnesota
29 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 41% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Minnesota
65
Idaho
24
Idaho has 63% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Minnesota
0
Idaho
12
Snow / year
Minnesota
46 in
Idaho
51 in
Idaho is 11% more annual snowfall

Get the full MinnesotaIdaho 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 Minnesota?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 97.3 for Minnesota, 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?

Minnesota tops out at 9.85% 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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