Arizona to Idaho Moving Guide
Updated June 17, 2025

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
- Extreme summer heat
- High cost of utilities
- Heavy traffic in Phoenix
- Desert landscapes
- Scorpions and snakes
- Cooler summer climate
- Lower energy bills
- Less traffic congestion
- Lush green scenery
- Fewer pests
- Colder winters
- Fewer dining options
- Limited cultural events
- Lack of major teams
- Distance from borders
- 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
Comparison | Arizona | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chimichanga | Idaho Potatoes |
Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Boise River Steelhead Trout |
Most popular street food item | Sonoran Hot Dog | Finger Steaks |
Most popular vegan food | Jackfruit Tacos | Lentil Stew |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene (out of 10) | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
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
Comparison | Arizona | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Southwestern, Ranch | Craftsman, Ranch |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Swimming pools, air conditioning | Spacious 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 Arizonaβs $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
Comparison | Arizona | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Dust Storms, Heatwaves | Wildfires, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Variable |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 106Β°F / 83Β°F | 85Β°F / 55Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 68Β°F / 46Β°F | 34Β°F / 19Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 13 | 18 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 0.3 | 60 |
- 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
Comparison | Arizona | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $74,568 | $72,785 |
Cost of Living Index | 101.2 | 91.5 |
State Income Tax | 2.59% - 4.50% | 1.125% - 6.925% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.62% | 0.69% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.4% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Real Estate, Finance, Healthcare | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Technology |
Affluence | Moderate | Average |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | Visible | Less 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
Comparison | Arizona | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Mixed, with both liberal and conservative areas | Predominantly conservative |
Local Politics | Variety of political views in city vs. rural areas | More uniformly conservative |
Religion | Christian majority, with a significant number of non-religious residents | Heavy 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
Comparison | Arizona | Idaho |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | Knox 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 Schools | BASIS Scottsdale BASIS Chandler Paragon Science Academy (Chandler) | North Star Charter School (Eagle) Galileo STEM Academy (Eagle) Heritage Middle School (Meridian) |
Top 3 High School Schools | BASIS Scottsdale BASIS Chandler University High School (Tucson) | Renaissance High School (Meridian) McCall-Donnelly High School (McCall) Boise High School (Boise) |
Top 3 private high schools | Brophy 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 schools | Rancho 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 Districts | Scottsdale 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,757 | 300 ft3 | $5.86 |
1 Bedroom | $2,613 | 450 ft3 | $5.81 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,317 | 750 ft3 | $5.76 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,277 | 1100 ft3 | $5.71 |
4 Bedrooms | $9,050 | 1600 ft3 | $5.66 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,092 | 1800 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.

Sterling Interstate LLC
Best moving company overall for Arizona to Idaho