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Moving from Mississippi to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Cheapest housing in US, deep South culture, low incomes. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

MS state flag
Living now

Mississippi

Capital: Jackson

Median household income $52,985 · winter low 36°F · 213 sunny days

Cheapest housing in US, deep South culture, low incomes.

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
Mississippi
87.0
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 9.8% higher overall price level
Housing index
Mississippi
56.5
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 59% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Mississippi
96.2
Idaho
96.3
Utilities index (modeled)
Mississippi
98.0
Idaho
99.3
Idaho has 1.3% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Mississippi
16.8 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 24% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Mississippi
97.4
Idaho
99.1
Idaho has 1.8% higher transportation
Median home value
Mississippi
$186,500
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 139% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Mississippi
$990/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 40% 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
Mississippi
92°F
Idaho
87°F
Idaho is 5.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Mississippi
36°F
Idaho
22°F
Idaho is 39% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Mississippi
64°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 28% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Mississippi
213
Idaho
199
Idaho has 6.6% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Mississippi
58 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 70% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Mississippi
42
Idaho
24
Idaho has 43% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Mississippi
1
Idaho
12
Idaho has 1100% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
51 in

Get the full MississippiIdaho 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 Mississippi?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 86.4 for Mississippi, 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?

Mississippi tops out at 4% 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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