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Moving from Montana to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

MT state flag
Living now

Montana

Capital: Helena

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days

Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

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
Montana
94.6
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 0.9% higher overall price level
Housing index
Montana
84.6
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 6.4% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Montana
98.7
Idaho
96.3
Idaho has 2.4% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Montana
99.2
Idaho
99.3
Electricity rate
Montana
13.9 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 8.6% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Montana
98.9
Idaho
99.1
Median home value
Montana
$425,400
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 4.9% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Montana
$1,177/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 18% 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
Montana
83°F
Idaho
87°F
Idaho is 4.8% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Montana
14°F
Idaho
22°F
Idaho is 57% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Montana
44°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 4.6% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Montana
205
Idaho
199
Idaho has 2.9% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Montana
15 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 14% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Montana
42
Idaho
24
Idaho has 43% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Montana
17
Idaho
12
Idaho has 29% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Montana
51 in
Idaho
51 in

Get the full MontanaIdaho 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 Montana?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 95 for Montana, 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?

Montana tops out at 5.65% 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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