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Arizona to Idaho Moving Guide

Updated June 17, 2025

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Planning a 978 mile interstate move from Arizona to Idaho? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arizona vs Idaho across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like extreme summer heat vs cooler summer climate), food & health (like Chimichanga vs Idaho Potatoes), real estate & housing (southwestern, ranch vs craftsman, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Arizona), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chimichanga and Carne Asada, but get your taste buds ready for Idaho Potatoes & Boise River Steelhead Trout
  • Idaho housing costs are 5% more expensive than they are in Arizona
  • Rent in Idaho is 15.59% more affordable than in Arizona
  • Moving from Arizona to Idaho will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Arizona to Idaho movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

Arizona to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Idaho

ConsArizona iconArizona
  • Extreme summer heat
  • High cost of utilities
  • Heavy traffic in Phoenix
  • Desert landscapes
  • Scorpions and snakes
ProsIdaho iconIdaho
  • Cooler summer climate
  • Lower energy bills
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Lush green scenery
  • Fewer pests

Idaho iconIdaho
  • Colder winters
  • Fewer dining options
  • Limited cultural events
  • Lack of major teams
  • Distance from borders
Arizona iconArizona
  • Winter warmth
  • Vibrant food scene
  • Festivals and events
  • Sports teams
  • Proximity to Mexico

Pros of moving from Arizona to Idaho

  • Say goodbye to extreme summer heat and hello to a cooler summer climate
  • Look forward to moving away from the high cost of utilities and moving to Idaho with lower energy bills
  • Swap the heavy traffic in Phoenix, Arizona for less traffic congestion in Idaho
  • Get ready for lush green scenery in Idaho

Cons of moving from Arizona to Idaho

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the warmth of winters in Arizona to live with colder winters in Idaho
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a vibrant food scene and have to settle for the con of fewer dining options
  • Time to bid farewell to festivals and events and get used to limited cultural events in Idaho
  • Swap sports teams for a lack of major teams

Arizona vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArizonaIdaho
Most iconic local food itemChimichangaIdaho Potatoes
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaBoise River Steelhead Trout
Most popular street food itemSonoran Hot DogFinger Steaks
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit TacosLentil Stew
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • El Charro CafΓ©
  • Barrio CafΓ©
  • State & Lemp
  • The Basque Market
  • Boise Fry Company
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Arizona to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Idaho Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Sonoran Hot Dog, Idaho residents know they have tasty Boise River Steelhead Trout and Finger Steaks to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Stew of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro CafΓ©, and Barrio CafΓ©. After the boxes are unpacked in Idaho, don't wait too long before making your way to Idaho's acclaimed eateries like State & Lemp, The Basque Market, and Boise Fry Company.

When comparing lifestyles, Idaho shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arizona. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Idaho compared to what you are used to in Arizona. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Idaho.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Idaho

ComparisonArizonaIdaho
Typical Architecture StyleSouthwestern, RanchCraftsman, Ranch
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSwimming pools, air conditioningSpacious yards, mountain views
  • The Southwestern and Ranch architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Idaho.
  • Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference swimming pools and air conditioning, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and mountain views.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Idaho is less walkable than Arizona.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Idaho is less bike-friendly than Arizona.
  • Idaho has less of an urban feel than Arizona.
  • Idaho housing costs are 5% more expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Arizona’s $430,827.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 69% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
  • Rent in Idaho is 15.59% more affordable than in Arizona.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arizona and Idaho

ComparisonArizonaIdaho
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersDust Storms, HeatwavesWildfires, Floods
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)106Β°F / 83Β°F85Β°F / 55Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)68Β°F / 46Β°F34Β°F / 19Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)1318
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0.360
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Idaho. Idaho gets 31% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
  • Idaho has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
  • Say goodbye to the possible dust storms and heatwaves in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and floods in Idaho.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Idaho is 21 degrees colder than in Arizona.
  • The average winter lows are 27 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Idaho. Idaho receives 5 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Idaho

ComparisonArizonaIdaho
Avg. Household Income$74,568$72,785
Cost of Living Index101.291.5
State Income Tax2.59% - 4.50%1.125% - 6.925%
Avg. Property Tax0.62%0.69%
Avg. Sales Tax8.4%6%
Top 3 IndustriesReal Estate, Finance, HealthcareAgriculture, Manufacturing, Technology
AffluenceModerateAverage
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessVisibleLess Visible
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 2% less than in Arizona
  • The COLI in Idaho will be 10% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
  • The state income tax in ID is 1.125% to 6.925% compared to 2.59% to 4.50% in AZ
  • The affluence in Idaho is average compared to moderate in Arizona
  • The poverty level is low in Idaho compared to moderate in Arizona
  • In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Arizona and less visible in Idaho

Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Idaho

ComparisonArizonaIdaho
Political Make-upMixed, with both liberal and conservative areasPredominantly conservative
Local PoliticsVariety of political views in city vs. rural areasMore uniformly conservative
ReligionChristian majority, with a significant number of non-religious residentsHeavy Christian influence, particularly LDS (Mormon)
  • Arizona tends to lean mixed, with both liberal and conservative areas in its political climate
  • Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as predominantly conservative
  • Idaho's religious environment can be described as having a heavy Christian influence, particularly LDS (Mormon)
  • Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority, with a significant number of non-religious residents

Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Idaho

ComparisonArizonaIdaho
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Boise State University
University of Idaho
Idaho State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsKnox Gifted Academy (Chandler)
BASIS Chandler
Archway Classical Academy (Glendale)
White Pine Elementary (Boise)
Anser Charter School (Garden City)
McCall-Donnelly Elementary (McCall)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBASIS Scottsdale
BASIS Chandler
Paragon Science Academy (Chandler)
North Star Charter School (Eagle)
Galileo STEM Academy (Eagle)
Heritage Middle School (Meridian)
Top 3 High School SchoolsBASIS Scottsdale
BASIS Chandler
University High School (Tucson)
Renaissance High School (Meridian)
McCall-Donnelly High School (McCall)
Boise High School (Boise)
Top 3 private high schoolsBrophy College Preparatory (Phoenix)
Salpointe Catholic High School (Tucson)
Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley)
Bishop Kelly High School (Boise)
The Ambrose School (Meridian)
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (Coeur d'Alene)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsRancho Solano Preparatory School (Scottsdale)
Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley)
The Gregory School (Tucson)
The Ambrose School (Meridian)
Riverstone International School (Boise)
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (Coeur d'Alene)
Top 3 School DistrictsScottsdale Unified District
Chandler Unified School District
Gilbert Public Schools
Boise School District
Blaine County School District
Moscow School District

How Much Do Arizona to Idaho Movers Cost?

Moving 978 miles from Arizona to Idaho will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3.5-11 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Valley Custom Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,757300 ft3$5.86
1 Bedroom$2,613450 ft3$5.81
2 Bedrooms$4,317750 ft3$5.76
3 Bedrooms$6,2771100 ft3$5.71
4 Bedrooms$9,0501600 ft3$5.66
5+ Bedrooms$10,0921800 ft3$5.61

Top Arizona to Idaho Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Arizona to Idaho movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Arizona to Idaho

9.76/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
208 Moving Company featured image

208 Moving Company

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Valley Custom Moving featured image

Valley Custom Moving

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details

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