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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 (modeled)
Virginia
100.3
Idaho
98.9
Idaho has 1.4% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Idaho
99.3
Idaho has 0.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
Idaho
13 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 24% 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
$1,520/mo
Idaho
$1,057/mo
Idaho is 30% cheaper to rent

Sources: EPA AirNow (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
Sunny days / year
Virginia
55.7
Idaho
199
Idaho has 257% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Virginia
208 in
Idaho
19 in
Idaho is 91% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Virginia
44
Idaho
34
Idaho has 23% lower AQI
Snow / year
Virginia
41 in
Idaho
50 in
Idaho is 22% more annual snowfall

Get the full VirginiaIdaho report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day 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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