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Moving from Pennsylvania to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

PA state flag
Living now

Pennsylvania

Capital: Harrisburg

Median household income $73,170 · winter low 22°F · 179 sunny days

Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax.

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
Pennsylvania
97.6
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 2.1% lower overall price level
Housing index
Pennsylvania
85.1
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 5.8% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Pennsylvania
99.4
Idaho
96.3
Idaho has 3.1% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.6
Idaho
99.3
Electricity rate
Pennsylvania
21.5 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 41% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.5
Idaho
99.1
Median home value
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 61% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Pennsylvania
$1,252/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 11% 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
Pennsylvania
85°F
Idaho
87°F
Idaho is 2.4% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Pennsylvania
22°F
Idaho
22°F
Avg annual temperature
Pennsylvania
50°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 8.0% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Pennsylvania
179
Idaho
199
Idaho has 11% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Pennsylvania
44 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 60% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Pennsylvania
56
Idaho
24
Idaho has 57% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Pennsylvania
0
Idaho
12
Snow / year
Pennsylvania
43 in
Idaho
51 in
Idaho is 19% more annual snowfall

Get the full PennsylvaniaIdaho 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 Pennsylvania?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.8 for Pennsylvania, 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?

Pennsylvania tops out at 3.07% 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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