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Moving from Washington to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

WA state flag
Living now

Washington

Capital: Olympia

Median household income $90,325 · winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days

Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

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
Washington
107.0
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 11% lower overall price level
Housing index
Washington
126.0
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 29% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Washington
101.8
Idaho
96.3
Idaho has 5.3% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Washington
101.1
Idaho
99.3
Idaho has 1.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 12% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Washington
101.4
Idaho
99.1
Idaho has 2.3% lower transportation
Median home value
Washington
$602,200
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 26% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Washington
$1,824/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 24% 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
Washington
79°F
Idaho
87°F
Idaho is 10% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Washington
35°F
Idaho
22°F
Idaho is 37% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Washington
50°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 8.2% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Washington
152
Idaho
199
Idaho has 31% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Washington
40 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 56% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Washington
20
Idaho
24
Idaho has 20% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Washington
4
Idaho
12
Idaho has 200% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Washington
29 in
Idaho
51 in
Idaho is 76% more annual snowfall

Get the full WashingtonIdaho 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 Washington?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.8 for Washington, 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?

Washington tops out at 0% 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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