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Moving from Virginia to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

VA state flag
Living now

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

Median household income $87,249 · winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

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
Virginia
101.1
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 5.5% lower overall price level
Housing index
Virginia
106.8
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 16% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Virginia
100.4
Idaho
96.3
Idaho has 4.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Idaho
99.3
Idaho has 0.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Virginia
17.4 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 27% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Idaho
99.1
Idaho has 1.1% lower transportation
Median home value
Virginia
$403,500
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 11% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Virginia
$1,646/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 16% cheaper 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
Virginia
87°F
Idaho
87°F
Avg winter low
Virginia
28°F
Idaho
22°F
Idaho is 21% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Virginia
56°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 18% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Virginia
208
Idaho
199
Idaho has 4.3% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Virginia
44 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 60% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Virginia
41
Idaho
24
Idaho has 41% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Virginia
0
Idaho
12
Snow / year
Virginia
15 in
Idaho
51 in
Idaho is 240% more annual snowfall

Get the full VirginiaIdaho 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 Virginia?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.4 for Virginia, 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?

Virginia tops out at 5.75% 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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