Planning a 1,058 mile interstate move from Idaho to New Mexico? This moving guide will help you compare living in Idaho vs New Mexico across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild climate), food & health (like Idaho Potatoes vs New Mexico Chile), real estate & housing (craftsman, ranch vs pueblo, territorial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Idaho), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
Say goodbye to Idaho Potatoes and Idaho Trout, but get your taste buds ready
for New Mexico Chile & Carne Adovada
New Mexico housing costs are 33% less expensive than they are in Idaho
Rent in New Mexico is 15.67% more affordable than in Idaho
Moving from Idaho to New Mexico will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
Best moving company overall for Idaho to New Mexico
9.50/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Valley Custom Moving
9.41/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
JP Moving
9.39/10
Exceptional
Idaho to New Mexico Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Idaho to New Mexico
ConsIdaho
Harsh winters
Limited cultural diversity
Higher property taxes
Few outdoor festivals
ProsNew Mexico
Mild climate
Rich cultural heritage
Lower property taxes
Frequent arts festivals
New Mexico
Busy urban areas
Higher crime rates
Higher living costs
More transient population
Idaho
Rural tranquility
Low crime rates
Affordable cost of living
Close-knit communities
Pros of moving from Idaho to New Mexico
Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a mild climate
Look forward to moving away from limited cultural diversity and moving to New Mexico with its rich cultural heritage
Swap the higher property taxes of Idaho for lower property taxes in New Mexico
Get ready for frequent arts festivals in New Mexico
Cons of moving from Idaho to New Mexico
Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rural tranquility in Idaho to live with busy urban areas in New Mexico
You'll lose out on the pro of low crime rates and have to settle for the con of higher crime rates
Time to bid farewell to an affordable cost of living and get used to higher living costs in New Mexico
Swap close-knit communities for a more transient population
Idaho vs. New Mexico: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison
Idaho
New Mexico
Most iconic local food item
Idaho Potatoes
New Mexico Chile
Most popular meat dish
Idaho Trout
Carne Adovada
Most popular street food item
Loaded Baked Potatoes
Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Quinoa Salad
Blue Corn Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
State and Lemp
Boise Fry Company
The Chocolat Bar
El Modelo
Sadie's of New Mexico
Frontier Restaurant
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ
πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks
ππππππππππ
ππππππππππ
Foodie Scene
π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄
π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄
Vegan Friendly
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 Idaho to New Mexico, you will be trading the iconic Idaho Potatoes of Idaho for the equally delicious New Mexico Chile of New Mexico. And while the locals in Idaho rave about their flavorful Idaho Trout and sumptuous Loaded Baked Potatoes, New Mexico residents know they have tasty Carne Adovada 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 Blue Corn Tacos of New Mexico. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Idaho eateries like State and Lemp, Boise Fry Company, and The Chocolat Bar. After the boxes are unpacked in New Mexico, don't wait too long before making your way to New Mexico's acclaimed eateries like El Modelo, Sadie's of New Mexico, and Frontier Restaurant.
When comparing lifestyles, New Mexico shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Idaho. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in New Mexico compared to what you are used to in Idaho. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in New Mexico.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Idaho and New Mexico
The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Idaho is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo and Territorial architecture typical of New Mexico.
Compared to Idaho's real estate listings, which commonly reference open floor plans and large yards, New Mexico real estate listings often highlight features like vigas and kiva fireplaces.
Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. New Mexico is more walkable than Idaho.
Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New Mexico is more bike-friendly than Idaho.
New Mexico has more of an urban feel than Idaho.
New Mexico housing costs are 33% less expensive than they are in Idaho, with a median home price of $300,227 compared to Idahoβs $451,298.
Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Mexico have increased by 56% compared to a 69% increase in Idaho.
Rent in New Mexico is 15.67% more affordable than in Idaho.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Idaho and New Mexico
Break out the sunglasses for your move from Idaho to New Mexico. New Mexico gets 36% more sunshine days than Idaho.
New Mexico has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Idaho.
Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and floods in Idaho, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and flash floods in New Mexico.
Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in New Mexico is 7 degrees warmer than in Idaho.
The average winter lows are 8 degrees warmer than they are in Idaho.
Your umbrella might be neglected in New Mexico. New Mexico receives 4 fewer inches of rain compared to Idaho.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Idaho and New Mexico
Comparison
Idaho
New Mexico
Avg. Household Income
$72,785
$59,726
Cost of Living Index
91.5
96.45
State Income Tax
6.93
5.9
Avg. Property Tax
0.69
0.55
Avg. Sales Tax
6%
5.125%
Top 3 Industries
Agriculture, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Oil & Gas, Tourism, Film
Affluence
Moderate
Varied
Poverty
Low
High
Homelessness
Moderate
Moderate
When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Mexico tend to earn about 18% less than in Idaho
The COLI in New Mexico is 5% higher than what you are used to living in Idaho
The state income tax in NM is 5.9 compared to 6.93 in ID
The affluence in New Mexico is varied compared to moderate in Idaho
The poverty level is high in New Mexico compared to low in Idaho
In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Idaho and moderate in New Mexico
Political and Religious Climate in Idaho vs. New Mexico
Comparison
Idaho
New Mexico
Political Make-up
Conservative
Liberal
Local Politics
Republican dominated
Democratic dominated
Religion
Largely Christian, with significant Mormon population
Primarily Catholic, with a mix of Protestant and other religions
Idaho tends to lean conservative in its political climate
New Mexico, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
New Mexico's religious environment can be described as primarily Catholic, with a mix of Protestant and other religions
Idaho's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Christian, with a significant Mormon population
Education Guide When Moving from Idaho to New Mexico
Comparison
Idaho
New Mexico
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)
Boise State University University of Idaho Idaho State University
University of New Mexico New Mexico State University Eastern New Mexico University
Top 3 Elementary Schools
Northwest Expedition Academy Coeur d'Alene; White Pine Charter School Ammon; Summit Charter School Jerome
Wood Gormley Elementary Santa Fe; Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science Albuquerque; Santa Fe School for the Arts & Sciences Santa Fe
Top 3 Middle Schools
North Junior High School Boise; Heritage Middle School Meridian; Victory Middle School Meridian
Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science Albuquerque; Desert Willow Family School Albuquerque; Explorer Academy Farmington
Top 3 High Schools
Timberline High School Boise; Renaissance High School Meridian; Boise High School Boise
Los Alamos High School Los Alamos; Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science Albuquerque; Cottonwood Classical Prep Albuquerque
Top 3 private high schools
Bishop Kelly High School Boise; The Ambrose School Meridian; Sun Valley Community School Sun Valley
Sandia Preparatory School Albuquerque; Santa Fe Preparatory School Santa Fe; Albuquerque Academy Albuquerque
Top 3 private K-12 schools
Riverstone International School Boise; Sun Valley Community School Sun Valley; The Sage School Hailey
Albuquerque Academy Albuquerque; Sandia Preparatory School Albuquerque; Santa Fe Preparatory School Santa Fe
Top 3 School Districts
Boise School District Boise; West Ada School District Meridian; Coeur d'Alene School District Coeur d'Alene
Los Alamos Public Schools Los Alamos; Albuquerque Public Schools Albuquerque; Rio Rancho Public Schools Rio Rancho
How Much Do Idaho to New Mexico Movers Cost?
Moving 1,058 miles from Idaho to New Mexico 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: 2-2 days
Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Valley Custom Moving
So you're looking for Movers w/ a truck to move from undefined, undefined to undefined, undefined on NaN/NaN/NaN.
Do we have that right?
Error. Invalid OTP. Please try again.
Success!
You are one step closer to an easier move. You will hear from a moving coordinator very soon!
Thank you!
Success!
Your move details have been sent. You should be hearing from the company shortly.
Success!
Your quote request has already been submitted.
Compare this quote with other recommended movers!
Hold on!
Your perfect moving match is just a few clicks away.
Join the 90,000+ who secured accurate and instant moving quotes with us last year. Secure your hassle-free, obligation-free quote now!
Welcome back!
Would you like to continue your saved quote or start a new one?
Saved Quote Details:
No quote details found
Saved Quote Details:
No quote details found
How A Disposable Email Works
A disposable email address lets you get moving quotes without revealing your real email. It self-destructs automatically in 30 days, unless you choose to extend or delete it sooner. That means no unwanted follow-upsβjust quotes from movers, on your terms. You're in control.