Idaho to Montana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Idaho to Montana

ConsIdaho

• Limited job opportunities
• Higher taxes
• Fewer cultural events
• Long, harsh winters
• Limited outdoor activities

ProsMontana

• Rising job market
• Lower taxes
• Vibrant arts scene
• Milder winters
• Abundant outdoor recreation

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Montana

• Rural isolation
• Higher cost of living
• Fewer metropolitan amenities
• Fewer school choices
• Limited access to services

Idaho

• Strong community
• Low cost of living
• Beautiful landscapes
• Family-friendly
• Rich history

Pros of moving from Idaho to Montana

• Say goodbye to limited job opportunities and hello to a rising job market
• Look forward to moving away from higher taxes and moving to Montana with lower taxes
• Swap the fewer cultural events of Idaho for a vibrant arts scene in Montana
• Get ready for milder winters in Montana

Cons of moving from Idaho to Montana

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a strong community in Idaho to live with rural isolation in Montana
• You'll lose out on the pro of a low cost of living and have to settle for the con of a higher cost of living
• Time to bid farewell to beautiful landscapes and get used to fewer metropolitan amenities in Montana
• Swap a family-friendly environment for fewer school choices

Idaho vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Idaho to Montana, you will be trading the iconic Idaho Potatoes of Idaho for the equally delicious Montana Huckleberries of Montana. And while the locals in Idaho rave about their flavorful Rocky Mountain Oysters and sumptuous Finger Steaks, Montana residents know they have tasty Bison Steak and Elk Burgers to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Lentil Chili they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Wild Berry Salads of Montana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Idaho eateries like Boise Fry Company, The Modern Hotel and Bar, and State & Lemp. After the boxes are unpacked in Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like Montana Jack’s, The Keep Restaurant, and Überbrew.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Idaho and Montana

• The Craftsman architecture that Idaho is known for will be replaced with the Ranch architecture typical of Montana.
• Compared to Idaho's real estate listings that commonly reference open spaces and natural light, Montana real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and privacy.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Montana is more walkable than Idaho.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Montana is more bike-friendly than Idaho.
• Montana has more of an urban feel than Idaho.
• Montana housing costs are 1% more expensive than they are in Idaho, with a median home price of $456,199 compared to Idaho’s $451,298.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Montana have increased by 71% compared to a 69% increase in Idaho.
• Rent in Montana is 12.76% more affordable than in Idaho.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Idaho to Montana. Montana gets 8% fewer sunshine days than Idaho.
• Montana has higher humidity and a similar 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 earthquakes in Montana.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Montana is 5 degrees colder than in Idaho.
• The average winter lows are 5 degrees colder than they are in Idaho.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Montana. Montana receives 3 more inches of rain compared to Idaho.

Political and Religious Climate in Idaho vs. Montana

• Idaho tends to lean strongly Republican in its political climate
• Montana, on the other hand, is often described as moderately Republican
• Montana's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with diverse religious communities in larger cities
• Idaho's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Christian with a significant Latter-day Saint community

Education Guide When Moving from Idaho to Montana

How Much Do Idaho to Montana Movers Cost?

Moving 522 miles from Idaho to Montana will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.