Moving to Idaho? 2023 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Idaho is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States known for its mountainous landscapes and innate natural beauty, bringing an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. Boise, the state’s capital, is set in the foothills of the magnificent Rocky Mountains and is a popular spot for fishing.

If you are considering moving to Idaho, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Idaho Facts:

1. Population: 1.901 million (2021)
2. Official Language: English
3. GDP Per Capita: $54,537 (20220
4. Random Fact: Idaho has approximately 3,100 miles of rivers, giving them more than any other US state
5. Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68 

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Idaho

From State	Approx. Moving Cost
California	$2400
Florida	$3000
New York	$3200
Texas	$2900
Illinois	$2800
Ohio	$2600
Georgia	$2700
North Carolina	$2500
Michigan	$2600
New Jersey	$3100

This table lists the state of origin along with the estimated moving cost in US dollars to Idaho. These costs are approximate and can vary based on several factors, including the specific locations within the states, the volume of goods being moved, and the timing of the move.

You can also find International Moving Companies in Idaho here.

2. Idaho Housing Costs

The range of rental and house purchase prices in Idaho can vary depending on the location, with upscale neighbourhoods in cities like Boise and Coeur d’Alene commanding higher prices. In contrast, downtown areas in these cities may offer more affordable options for both renting and purchasing property.

Monthly Rental Prices in Idaho:

• 1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,600+
• 1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,400+
• 3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $2,400+
• 3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $2,150+ 

Idaho Home Purchase Prices:

• Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $5,500+
• Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $4,000+

Idaho Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Idaho compare with other cities around the globe.

• London is 37.1% more expensive
• New York is 56.7% more expensive
• Los Angeles is 40.2% more expensive
• Toronto is 12.2% more expensive
• Sydney is 24% more expensive
• Paris is 0.7% more expensive
• Dubai is 11.1% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

• Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: Spare Room, Roomies.
• Different Areas – Different Prices: The cost of renting and buying a house in Idaho is influenced by factors such as location and neighbourhood. Upscale neighbourhoods in cities like Boise and Coeur d’Alene tend to have higher prices due to their desirable location and amenities. However, downtown areas in these cities can offer more affordable options for those looking to rent or buy property, making it a viable option for those who want to live in a city while keeping their costs down.
  

3. Idaho Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

The food and drink scene in Idaho is heavily influenced by its agricultural industry and natural resources, with a focus on locally-sourced and farm-to-table cuisine. Some famous foods to be aware of include potatoes, which are grown abundantly in Idaho and used in a variety of dishes, as well as huckleberries, a type of wild berry that is used in everything from jams to cocktails.

• Inexpensive Restaurant: $18.50
•  Takeout Coffee: $4.60
•  Bottle of Coke: $2.60
•  1L of Milk: $0.80
•  Loaf of Bread: $2.90
•  12 Eggs: $4.50
•  1kg Chicken: $11.60
•  1kg Beef: $13.40
•  1kg Apples: $4.45
•  1kg White Rice: $3.00

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

• London restaurants are 12.9% more expensive and groceries are 15.8% cheaper than Idaho.
• New York restaurants are 25.4% more expensive and groceries are 33% more expensive than Idaho.
• Los Angeles restaurants are 20.4% more expensive and groceries are 15% more expensive than Idaho.
• Toronto restaurants are 1.2% more expensive and groceries are 2.9% more expensive than Idaho.
• Sydney restaurants are 0.4% more expensive and groceries are 15% more expensive than Idaho.
• Paris restaurants are 4.6% cheaper and groceries are 13.6% more expensive than Idaho.
• Dubai restaurants are 4.3% cheaper and groceries are 36.2% cheaper than Idaho.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

• Know Your Supermarkets: Idaho is home to a variety of farmers’ markets, where locals and visitors can find fresh produce and other locally-made products. Cheap and expensive supermarkets can also be found throughout the state, with the price range varying depending on factors such as location, brand, and product availability.
• Find Cheap Eats: Idaho has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Yelp and Trip Advisor.

4. Idaho Alcohol Costs

Idaho, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

• Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $5.00
• Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $6.00
• Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $2.80 
• Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $3.00
• Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $13.00

How To Drink For Less in Idaho:

• Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
• Take a look at Yelp and Visit Idaho.

5. Idaho Transportation Fares

Public transportation in Idaho varies by city and region, with some areas having robust bus and light rail systems, while others have limited or no public transportation options. In larger cities like Boise, there are public transit options available, including bus service and a downtown trolley system.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

• Adult single – $1.50
• One-day ticket – $5.00
• Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $52.50

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

• Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option. 
• Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Idaho

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

• Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
• AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
• Verizon: $80 a month 

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

• Pair of Jeans: $50.00
• Summer Dress: $45.00
• Running Shoes (Trainers): $90.00
• Business Shoes: $110.00
• Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $190.00
• Deodorant: $5.00
• Shampoo: $5.70
• Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $6.00
• Gym Membership: $38.00
• Movie (cinema) Ticket: $12.00

Source: Numbeo, Expatistan

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Idaho

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Idaho. The rush hour is nowhere near as long as bad as other cities around the world. If you’re moving to Idaho from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here. 

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Idaho:

• Volkswagen Golf: $31,600+
• 1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $1.05

Source: Numbeo, Expatistan

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Idaho:

• Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Carpool World.
• Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Idaho

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

The sales tax in Idaho is generally 6% for most purchases but can vary by city and county, with some areas having higher or lower sales tax rates. In addition, there are some exemptions and special tax rates for certain goods and services.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Fresno at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Idaho you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.  

10. Flight Costs from Idaho

If you do make the move to Idaho, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:

• London: $370
• New York: $380 
• Los Angeles: $100
• Toronto: $180
• Vancouver: $460
• Dubai: $1,100
• Sydney: $1,100
• Melbourne: $1,300
• Cape Town: $1,100
• Hong Kong: $1,100

Other Tips on Moving to Idaho:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Idaho but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Idaho Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Idaho.

• Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
• Attend Local Events: Idaho always has something going on. Have a look at Visit Idaho and Eventbrite.

12. Moving to Idaho with a Family

Idaho is generally considered a family-friendly location, with many outdoor recreational opportunities, good schools, and a low cost of living. The state also has a relatively low crime rate compared to other U.S. states, with property crime rates below the national average and violent crime rates around the national average. However, crime rates can vary depending on the specific city or region within the state.

• Live in a Family-friendly Area: There are many family-friendly areas to live in Idaho, depending on one’s personal preferences and priorities. Some of the most popular areas for families include Boise, which has a variety of outdoor recreational activities, good schools, and a growing job market; Coeur d’Alene, which offers lakefront living and a strong sense of community; and Meridian, which is a fast-growing city with affordable housing and good schools. Other family-friendly areas include Idaho Falls, Eagle, and Pocatello.
• Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Idaho. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Trip Advisor and Family Destinations Guide.

13. Moving to Idaho for Work

While it is possible to move to Idaho without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Idaho’s economy is diverse, with key industries including agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and tourism.

The state’s current unemployment rate as of March 2023 is 3.6%, which is relatively low compared to the national average.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

• Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale.
• How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Fresno, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Idaho from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Idaho, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

• Size Comparison: The area of Idaho is roughly equivalent to the area of the Australian state of Victoria. 
• Join Expat Groups: Start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Idaho from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Idaho. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

• Size: Idaho is slightly larger than the Canadian province of Nova Scotia.
• Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process.  Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Idaho from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Idaho. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

• Size: The total land area of Idaho is approximately 216,440 square kilometres, which is similar in size to the whole of England.
• Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Idaho, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Idaho you can start by comparing moving quotes here.