Thinking about moving to Idaho? The state has a $103 billion economy, growing at a rate of 4.5% annually. With low crime rates and increasing jobs in healthcare, retail trade, construction, and manufacturing sectors, Idaho ranks as the 2nd-best place to live in the US.
But the move comes with trade-offs. The median home price is $472K, which is higher than the national average. Still, many are choosing cities like Boise, Nampa, and Meridian for lower living costs and a better quality of life.
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AT A GLANCE:
- Idaho has a growing job market, with high-demand roles in healthcare, retail trade, construction, and manufacturing.
- The cost of living in Idaho is 7% lower than the national average, and renting a house is 14% less expensive.
- Idaho has some of the lowest income and property tax burdens in the country.
- With very low crime rates, Idaho is the 3rd-safest state to live in the country.
- Expect to pay between $2,200 and $6,400 for your move, depending on how far you’re moving and the size of your belongings.
- Idaho’s climate varies across the state. Northwestern regions have a mild, maritime climate, while southeastern areas are more arid.
3 Reasons to Move to Idaho
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Idaho, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Living Costs in Idaho
With a cost of living 7% lower than the national average, Idaho is one of the most affordable states to live in the country. Here is a detailed breakdown of per-month living costs in Idaho:
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Average Utility Costs | $341 per month |
| Average Healthcare Costs | $455 per month |
| Average Food and Grocery Costs | $124 per month |
| Average Transportation Costs | $67 per month |
2. Job Opportunities
Home to 3 Fortune 500 companies, Idaho has over 49,000 new job openings in 2025 and aims to add 120,939 new jobs by the end of 2032. Healthcare, retail trade, construction, and manufacturing are among the fastest-growing job sectors in Idaho.
- Healthcare: With over 40 hospitals across the state, Idaho’s healthcare sector generates over $10.5 billion, and creates over 105,000 jobs in the state. Roles like medical assistants, registered nurses, and physical therapist assistants are in high demand.
- Retail Trade: Idaho has a robust retail sector with over 32.6K establishments across the state. The sector generates over $25 billion annually and supports 27% of jobs in the state. Walmart and Albertsons are among the largest employers in the retail sector.
- Construction: Idaho is known to have the 3rd-highest concentration of construction workers in the country. The construction sector contributes around 9.3% of the state’s GDP. The average salary in Idaho for a construction worker is around $49,240 per year.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector in Idaho contributes over $9.4 billion to the state’s GDP annually, and supports around 64,500 jobs. High-demand roles include production supervisors, manufacturing engineers, and machinists.
3. Low Crime Rates
Violent crime in Idaho is very rare, and the state ranks #3 in public safety. It has a violent crime rate of 2.4 incidents per 1,000 people, well below the national average of 4 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Meridian is the safest city in Idaho, with only 1.1 violent crime incidents per 1,000 residents. Kuna and Nampa are also extremely safe, with only 1.5 and 2.4 violent crime incidents per 1,000 residents respectively.
Pros and Cons of Living in Idaho
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of moving to Idaho:
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Idaho is adding more jobs in the healthcare, retail trade, construction, and manufacturing sectors. | 1. Despite its growing economy, job opportunities in rural Idaho are limited. |
| 2. The cost of living in Idaho is 7% lower than the US average. Renting also costs 14% less. | 2. The state is known to have cold winters, with temperatures dropping as low as 3°F. |
| 3. The state has some of the lowest state income and property taxes in the country. | 3. Idaho is among the lower-ranked states when it comes to education. |
| 4. With just 2.6 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, Idaho is the 3rd-safest state to live in the US. | 4. The state is situated in the 5th-most earthquake-prone region in the country. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Idaho 📌
Here are some things to keep in mind before relocating to Idaho:
1. Cost of Living in Idaho
The cost of living in Idaho is 7% lower than the national average. This means you spend less on recurring expenses like rent and utilities. However, transportation, healthcare, and groceries can be relatively expensive.
Still, Idaho can be a solid option compared to more popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 58% and 30% above the national average.
2. Infrastructure and Transportation
Idaho faces several challenges with its aging and overburdened infrastructure. 14% of the roads in the state are in poor or fair condition, and the state has identified the required repairs on 1,520 bridges.
However, Idaho is actively working towards the improvement of its infrastructure. The state is set to receive $2.2 billion over five years in federal funding to improve its highway and bridge infrastructure.
3. Climate in Idaho
The climate in Idaho is diverse. The weather in northwestern regions has maritime influences due to its proximity to the Pacific Northwest and the Cascade Range. In contrast, southeastern regions in Idaho have a more continental or semi-arid climate.
The state faces a high risk of earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and thunderstorms. Idaho is the 5th-most earthquake-prone state in the US. Make sure to check the FEMA-designated risk zones and local guidelines in your city before relocating to Idaho.
4. Laws and Regulations
- Vehicle and Driver’s License Registration: You have to register your vehicle and obtain a state driver’s license within 90 days of moving to Idaho. You’ll need proof of residency, insurance, and title documents for registration.
- Moving to Idaho With Guns: Both concealed and open carry of firearms is allowed for people aged 18 or above. However, you can still acquire a permit to carry firearms, since it’s useful when travelling to other states.
- Recreational Marijuana: Both medical and recreational marijuana are illegal in Idaho. Violation of the law can attract $1,000 to $50,000 in fines and 1 to 5 years in prison.
- Pet Registration Laws: There is no statewide law for pet registration. However, several cities in Idaho have their own local pet registration and vaccination laws. You can visit your city website for more information.
5. Tax Burden in Idaho
Idaho is among the 10 states with the lowest overall tax burden in the country. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Idaho’s primary tax burden for an individual:
- Income Tax in Idaho: Idaho has a flat 5.3% income tax, which is one of the lowest state income taxes in the country. Additionally, Idaho does not have any local income tax.
- Sales Tax in Idaho: Idaho levies a 6% state sales tax, with an additional local sales tax of 1% to 3%. This makes the effective rate of sales tax in Idaho 6% to 9%, depending on the city.
- Property Tax in Idaho: The state ranks 8th for the lowest property taxes in the country. Idaho has an effective property rate of 0.47%, significantly lower than the national average of 0.90%.
How to Move to Idaho?
Before buying a house in Idaho, follow this step-by-step guide for a seamless move:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you want to skip all the heavy lifting, consider hiring a professional mover. You can expect to pay around $108 per hour. However, this amount can vary depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- If you want to DIY, hiring a truck is a better option. The average cost to rent a mid-sized truck with a load capacity of 4,000 to 6,000 lbs ranges between $40 and $80 per day. Be sure to factor in additional charges for mileage, fuel, and insurance.
2. How to Set Up Utilities?
Getting your utilities set up is a straightforward process in Idaho:
- Electricity and Gas: Idaho Power Company is the state’s largest electricity provider, while Intermountain Gas Company and Avista Utilities are the primary gas providers in Idaho. You can visit their websites to check availability in your area.
- Water and Sewer: Water and sewer services in Idaho are typically managed by local municipalities, along with a few private companies. Visit your city website to find out more about service providers in your area.
- Internet and Cable: CenturyLink, Sparklight, and T-Mobile are the largest internet and cable service providers in Idaho. Plans typically range from $20 to $80 per month.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in Schools in Idaho?
Most schools in Idaho offer online registration:
- For Kindergarten: Your children must be at least 5 years old for kindergarten, and 7 years old for first grade, before September 1. You will need the child’s birth certificate, vaccination records, proof of residency, and a photo ID.
- For Older Kids: You’ll need all the above-mentioned documents, in addition to transcripts and a withdrawal form from their previous school. If your kids are high school athletes, check their eligibility to play first to avoid any complications.
- Transfers and Special Cases: School transfers in Idaho are generally managed by local school districts. You can directly contact the school district office or visit their websites for more information about the process.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- Work From Home: 24% of the total workforce in Idaho works remotely. If you’re also someone who works remotely and is moving to Idaho, just ask your employer about state-specific tax and employment laws.
- Find a New Job: IdahoWorks is a state-run job board that allows you to create a resume, search and apply for jobs, and track your application. Additionally, you can visit online job portals like Indeed and LinkedIn to look for suitable roles in your city.
5. How to Find the Perfect House?
The Idaho housing market leans in favor of buyers. Over 25% of listed homes have seen price drops, and inventory is up by 17.1%. So, buyers more negotiating power to secure better deals.
- In popular cities like Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, the average rent is around $1,800. This depends on nearby amenities and the neighborhood you are moving to.
- If you plan to buy a home in a popular city, homes for sale in Boise cost around $496K. On the other hand, cities like Burley and Pocatello are more affordable, with median home prices of $327K and $340K respectively.
Should I Move to Idaho?
Yes, you should definitely move to Idaho. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Idaho isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Idaho’s best home-buying website, buying a house in the Gem State is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Idaho, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent, Median home price
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates, Average cost of moving
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Idaho, long before the moving boxes are packed.
