Movers

Colorado to Idaho Moving Guide

Updated June 16, 2025

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Planning a 845 mile interstate move from Colorado to Idaho? This moving guide will help you compare living in Colorado vs Idaho across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high-altitude effects vs gentler altitude), food & health (like Rocky Mountain Oysters vs Idaho Potatoes), real estate & housing (mountain and modern vs ranch and craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Colorado), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Rocky Mountain Oysters and Bison Burgers, but get your taste buds ready for Idaho Potatoes & Boise River Steelhead Trout
  • Idaho housing costs are 18% less expensive than they are in Colorado
  • Rent in Idaho is 20.29% more affordable than in Colorado
  • Moving from Colorado to Idaho will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Colorado to Idaho movers is Movemasters, Inc.

Colorado to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Colorado to Idaho

ConsColorado iconColorado
  • High-altitude effects
  • Costly housing market
  • Tourism congestion
  • Harsh winters
  • High traffic
ProsIdaho iconIdaho
  • Gentler altitude
  • More affordable housing
  • Less crowded
  • Milder winters
  • Less traffic

Idaho iconIdaho
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Smaller ski areas
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Limited dining options
  • Limited public transportation
Colorado iconColorado
  • Vibrant culture
  • Renowned ski resorts
  • Rich job market
  • Diverse restaurants
  • Extensive public transit

Pros of moving from Colorado to Idaho

  • Say goodbye to high-altitude effects and hello to gentler altitude
  • Look forward to moving away from the costly housing market and moving to Idaho with more affordable housing
  • Swap the tourism congestion of Colorado for less crowded areas in Idaho
  • Get ready for milder winters in Idaho

Cons of moving from Colorado to Idaho

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant culture in Colorado to live with fewer cultural events in Idaho
  • You'll lose out on the pro of renowned ski resorts and have to settle for the con of smaller ski areas
  • Time to bid farewell to the rich job market and get used to fewer job opportunities in Idaho
  • Swap diverse restaurants for limited dining options

Colorado vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonColoradoIdaho
Most iconic local food itemRocky Mountain OystersIdaho Potatoes
Most popular meat dishBison BurgersBoise River Steelhead Trout
Most popular street food itemGreen ChiliFinger Steaks
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladLentil Stew
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Buckhorn Exchange
  • Root Down
  • Frasca Food and Wine
  • Chandler’s Steakhouse
  • Boise Fry Company
  • Culinaria
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Colorado to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Rocky Mountain Oysters of Colorado for the equally delicious Idaho Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Colorado rave about their flavorful Bison Burgers and sumptuous Green Chili, 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 Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Stew of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you make one final trip to iconic Colorado eateries like The Buckhorn Exchange, Root Down, and Frasca Food and Wine. After the boxes are unpacked in Idaho, don't wait too long before making your way to Idaho's acclaimed eateries like Chandler’s Steakhouse, Boise Fry Company, and Culinaria.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Colorado and Idaho

ComparisonColoradoIdaho
Typical Architecture StyleMountain and ModernRanch and Craftsman
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 listingMountain views, proximity to outdoor activitiesLarge lots, family-friendly
  • The Mountain and Modern architecture that Colorado is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Idaho.
  • Compared to Colorado's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and proximity to outdoor activities, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like large lots and family-friendliness.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Idaho is less walkable than Colorado.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Idaho is less bike-friendly than Colorado.
  • Idaho has less of an urban feel than Colorado.
  • Idaho housing costs are 18% less expensive than they are in Colorado, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Colorado’s $549,126.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 69% compared to a 40% increase in Colorado.
  • Rent in Idaho is 20.29% more affordable than in Colorado.

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

ComparisonColoradoIdaho
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 DisastersWildfires, FloodsWildfires, Earthquakes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 55Β°F85Β°F / 50Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)45Β°F / 17Β°F37Β°F / 14Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)15.618.9
Annual Snowfall (Inches)6050
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Colorado to Idaho. Idaho gets 16% fewer sunshine days than Colorado.
  • Idaho has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Colorado.
  • Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and floods in Colorado, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
  • The average summer high temperature in Idaho is the same as Colorado.
  • The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Colorado.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Idaho. Idaho receives 3.3 more inches of rain compared to Colorado.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Colorado and Idaho

ComparisonColoradoIdaho
Avg. Household Income$89,302$72,785
Cost of Living Index98.391.5
State Income Tax4.55%5.8%
Avg. Property Tax0.49%0.68%
Avg. Sales Tax2.9%6%
Top 3 IndustriesAerospace, Technology, AgricultureAgriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 18% less than in Colorado
  • The COLI in Idaho will be 7% lower than what you are used to living in Colorado
  • The state income tax in ID is 5.8% compared to 4.55% in CO
  • The affluence in Idaho is moderate compared to high in Colorado
  • The poverty level is moderate in Idaho compared to low in Colorado
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Colorado and low in Idaho

Political and Religious Climate in Colorado vs. Idaho

ComparisonColoradoIdaho
Political Make-upMixed, leans DemocraticConservative, leans Republican
Local PoliticsDiverse, urban areas more liberalMore uniform, with strong conservative rural areas
ReligionLess religiously affiliatedHigher religious affiliation, predominantly Christian
  • Colorado tends to lean mixed and leans Democratic in its political climate
  • Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as conservative and leans Republican
  • Idaho's religious environment can be described as having higher religious affiliation and predominantly Christian
  • Colorado's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Colorado to Idaho

ComparisonColoradoIdaho
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado State University
University of Denver
Boise State University
University of Idaho
Idaho State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBromwell Elementary - Denver
Cory Elementary - Denver
Parker Core Knowledge - Parker
White Pine Elementary - Boise
Cecil D. Andrus Elementary - Eagle
Ponderosa Elementary - Meridian
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLesher Middle School - Fort Collins
Krakow Middle School - Denver
Summit Middle Charter - Boulder
North Junior High School - Boise
Heritage Middle School - Meridian
Lakeside Middle School - Plummer
Top 3 High School SchoolsCherry Creek High School - Greenwood Village
Fairview High School - Boulder
Denver School of the Arts - Denver
Boise High School - Boise
McCall-Donnelly High School - McCall
Timberline High School - Boise
Top 3 private high schoolsColorado Academy - Denver
The Kent Denver School - Englewood
Fountain Valley School of Colorado - Colorado Springs
The Ambrose School - Meridian
Bishop Kelly High School - Boise
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy - Coeur d'Alene
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsDenver Waldorf School - Denver
Vail Mountain School - Vail
Colorado Springs School - Colorado Springs
Riverstone International School - Boise
The Sage School - Hailey
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy - Coeur d'Alene
Top 3 School DistrictsCherry Creek School District
Boulder Valley School District
Douglas County School District
Boise School District
Blaine County School District
Coeur d'Alene School District

How Much Do Colorado to Idaho Movers Cost?

Moving 845 miles from Colorado to Idaho will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Valley Custom Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,682300 ft3$5.61
1 Bedroom$2,500450 ft3$5.56
2 Bedrooms$4,129750 ft3$5.51
3 Bedrooms$6,0011100 ft3$5.46
4 Bedrooms$8,6481600 ft3$5.41
5+ Bedrooms$9,6391800 ft3$5.36

Top Colorado to Idaho Movers

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

TOP PICK
Movemasters, Inc. featured image

Movemasters, Inc.

Best moving company overall for Colorado to Idaho

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Smooth Movers featured image

Smooth Movers

9.52/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Denver Door to Door Movers LLC featured image

Denver Door to Door Movers LLC

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details

Denver to Idaho

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