Movers

Idaho to Arizona Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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Planning a 978 mile interstate move from Idaho to Arizona? This moving guide will help you compare living in Idaho vs Arizona across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Idaho Potatoes vs Sonoran Hot Dog), real estate & housing (craftsman, ranch vs pueblo, spanish), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Arizona), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Idaho Potatoes and Trout, but get your taste buds ready for Sonoran Hot Dog & Carne Asada
  • Arizona housing costs are 5% less expensive than they are in Idaho
  • Rent in Arizona is 18.47% more expensive than in Idaho
  • Moving from Idaho to Arizona will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Idaho to Arizona movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

Idaho to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Idaho to Arizona

ConsIdaho iconIdaho
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job market
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Higher property taxes
ProsArizona iconArizona
  • Mild winters
  • Thriving job market
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Lower property taxes

Arizona iconArizona
  • Desert environment
  • Busy lifestyle
  • Higher crime rates
  • Less seasonal variety
Idaho iconIdaho
  • Beautiful landscapes
  • Tranquil lifestyle
  • Low crime rates
  • Seasons variety

Pros of moving from Idaho to Arizona

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Arizona with a thriving job market
  • Swap the fewer cultural events of Idaho for a rich cultural scene in Arizona
  • Get ready for lower property taxes in Arizona

Cons of moving from Idaho to Arizona

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful landscapes in Idaho to live with a desert environment in Arizona
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a tranquil lifestyle and have to settle with the con of a busy lifestyle
  • Time to bid farewell to low crime rates and get used to higher crime rates in Arizona
  • Swap seasonal variety for less seasonal variety

Idaho vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIdahoArizona
Most iconic local food itemIdaho PotatoesSonoran Hot Dog
Most popular meat dishTroutCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemFry BreadTacos
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladVegan Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Boise Fry Company
    • State & Rove
    • The Stone House
    • Pizzicletta
    • El Charro CafΓ©
    • Bacanora
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 Idaho to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Idaho Potatoes of Idaho for the equally delicious Sonoran Hot Dog of Arizona. And while the locals in Idaho rave about their flavorful Trout and sumptuous Fry Bread, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Tacos 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 Vegan Tacos of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Idaho eateries like Boise Fry Company, State and Rove, and The Stone House. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like Pizzicletta, El Charro CafΓ©, and Bacanora.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Idaho and Arizona

ComparisonIdahoArizona
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, RanchPueblo, Spanish
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 listingLarge yards, natural scenerySwimming pools, desert views
  • The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Idaho is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo and Spanish architecture typical of Arizona.
  • Compared to Idaho's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and natural scenery, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like swimming pools and desert views.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Arizona is more walkable than Idaho.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Arizona is more bike-friendly than Idaho.
  • Arizona has more of an urban feel than Idaho.
  • Arizona housing costs are 5% less expensive than they are in Idaho, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to Idaho’s $451,298.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased by 63% compared to a 69% increase in Idaho.
  • Rent in Arizona is 18.47% more expensive than in Idaho.

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

ComparisonIdahoArizona
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 DisastersFloods, WildfiresWildfires, Heatwaves
Air QualityGoodVaries by Area
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F/55Β°F104Β°F/81Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37Β°F/17Β°F68Β°F/46Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)18 inches13 inches
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60 inches0-1 inches
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Idaho to Arizona. Arizona gets 45% more sunshine days than Idaho.
  • Arizona has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Idaho.
  • Say goodbye to the possible floods and wildfires in Idaho, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and heatwaves in Arizona.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arizona is 19 degrees warmer than in Idaho.
  • The average winter lows are 29 degrees warmer than they are in Idaho.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to Idaho.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Idaho and Arizona

ComparisonIdahoArizona
Avg. Household Income$72,785$74,568
Cost of Living Index91.5101.2
State Income Tax6.93%4.50%
Avg. Property Tax0.75%0.62%
Avg. Sales Tax6.03%8.40%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Food Processing, ManufacturingAerospace, Finance, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowHigh
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 2% more than those in Idaho
  • The COLI in Arizona will be 11% higher than what you are used to while living in Idaho
  • The state income tax in AZ is 4.50% compared to 6.93% in ID
  • The affluence in Arizona is moderate compared to moderate in Idaho
  • The poverty level is high in Arizona compared to low in Idaho
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Idaho and moderate in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in Idaho vs. Arizona

ComparisonIdahoArizona
Political Make-upPredominantly RepublicanMixed, with a slight Democratic lean in recent elections
Local PoliticsConservative policies and governanceVaries significantly between urban and rural areas
ReligionMajority Christian, with a significant Mormon populationDiverse, with Christianity being predominant but a greater mix of other faiths
  • Idaho tends to lean predominantly Republican in its political climate
  • Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as mixed with a slight Democratic lean in recent elections
  • Arizona's religious environment can be described as diverse with Christianity being predominant but a greater mix of other faiths
  • Idaho's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as majority Christian with a significant Mormon population

Education Guide When Moving from Idaho to Arizona

ComparisonIdahoArizona
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Boise State University
University of Idaho
Idaho State University
Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLongfellow Elementary School (Boise)
Washington Elementary School (Boise)
Roosevelt Elementary School (Boise)
Hopkins Elementary School (Chandler)
Basis Scottsdale Primary - West Campus (Scottsdale)
Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence (Chandler)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLake Hazel Middle School (Boise)
Victory Middle School (Meridian)
North Junior High School (Boise)
Basis Chandler (Chandler)
Basis Peoria (Peoria)
Basis Tucson North (Tucson)
Top 3 High School SchoolsBoise High School (Boise)
Timberline High School (Boise)
Borah High School (Boise)
Basis Scottsdale (Scottsdale)
Basis Tucson North (Tucson)
Basis Oro Valley (Oro Valley)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Ambrose School (Meridian)
Bishop Kelly High School (Boise)
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (Coeur d'Alene)
Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix)
Xavier College Preparatory (Phoenix)
The Gregory School (Tucson)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsClassical Christian Academy (Post Falls)
Riverstone International School (Boise)
The Ambrose School (Meridian)
Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix)
The Gregory School (Tucson)
Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley)
Top 3 School DistrictsBoise School District
Blaine County School District
Moscow School District
Chandler Unified School District
Scottsdale Unified School District
Gilbert Public Schools

How Much Do Idaho to Arizona Movers Cost?

Moving 978 miles from Idaho to Arizona 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 Idaho to Arizona Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Idaho to Arizona

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