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Moving from North Dakota to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

ND state flag
Living now

North Dakota

Capital: Bismarck

Median household income $73,959 · winter low 0°F · 211 sunny days

Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest 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
North Dakota
89.0
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 7.3% higher overall price level
Housing index
North Dakota
71.4
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 26% higher housing costs
Groceries index
North Dakota
95.7
Idaho
96.3
Idaho has 0.6% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
North Dakota
98.3
Idaho
99.3
Idaho has 1.0% higher utilities
Electricity rate
North Dakota
12.4 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 2.8% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
North Dakota
97.8
Idaho
99.1
Idaho has 1.3% higher transportation
Median home value
North Dakota
$266,100
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 68% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
North Dakota
$980/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 41% 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
North Dakota
84°F
Idaho
87°F
Idaho is 3.6% more summer highs
Avg winter low
North Dakota
0°F
Idaho
22°F
Avg annual temperature
North Dakota
41°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 10% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
North Dakota
211
Idaho
199
Idaho has 5.7% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
North Dakota
18 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 4.9% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
North Dakota
42
Idaho
24
Idaho has 43% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
North Dakota
0
Idaho
12
Snow / year
North Dakota
39 in
Idaho
51 in
Idaho is 31% more annual snowfall

Get the full North DakotaIdaho 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 North Dakota?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 92.4 for North Dakota, 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?

North Dakota tops out at 2.5% 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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