Movers

Idaho to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Updated June 23, 2025

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Planning a 2,290 mile interstate move from Idaho to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in Idaho vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like long winters vs moderate climate), food & health (like Idaho potatoes vs Philly cheesesteak), real estate & housing (craftsman, ranch vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Idaho potatoes and Trout, but get your taste buds ready for Philly cheesesteak & Pittsburgh steak salad
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 42% less expensive than they are in Idaho
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 8.14% more affordable than in Idaho
  • Moving from Idaho to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended Idaho to Pennsylvania movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Idaho to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Idaho to Pennsylvania

ConsIdaho iconIdaho
  • Long winters
  • Limited job market
  • Fewer cultural activities
  • Saturation of rural areas
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Moderate climate
  • Vibrant economy
  • Rich history and museums
  • Urban amenities

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Higher expenses
  • Less natural scenery
  • Dense urban areas
  • Fast-paced living
Idaho iconIdaho
  • Low cost of living
  • Outdoor recreation
  • Smaller population
  • Tranquil lifestyle

Pros of moving from Idaho to Pennsylvania

  • Say goodbye to long winters and hello to a moderate climate
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Pennsylvania with a vibrant economy
  • Swap the fewer cultural activities of Idaho for rich history and museums in Pennsylvania
  • Get ready for urban amenities in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from Idaho to Pennsylvania

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in Idaho to live with higher expenses in Pennsylvania
  • You'll lose out on the pro of outdoor recreation and have to settle with the con of less natural scenery
  • Time to bid farewell to a smaller population and get used to dense urban areas in Pennsylvania
  • Swap a tranquil lifestyle for fast-paced living

Idaho vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIdahoPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemIdaho potatoesPhilly cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishTroutPittsburgh steak salad
Most popular street food itemFinger steaksPretzels
Most popular vegan foodLentil stewMushroom soup
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Primanti Bros.
  • Zahav
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 Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Idaho potatoes of Idaho for the equally delicious Philly cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Idaho rave about their flavorful trout and sumptuous finger steaks, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pittsburgh steak salad and pretzels to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the lentil stew they've grown to love, they can get ready for the mushroom soup of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Idaho eateries like Boise Fry Company, Troutner, and Fork. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Pat's King of Steaks, Primanti Bros., and Zahav.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Idaho and Pennsylvania

ComparisonIdahoPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, RanchColonial, Victorian
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 listingSpacious lots, mountain viewsHistoric details, proximity to amenities
  • The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Idaho is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
  • Compared to Idaho's real estate listings, which commonly reference spacious lots and mountain views, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pennsylvania is more walkable than Idaho.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than Idaho.
  • Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than Idaho.
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 42% less expensive than they are in Idaho, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Idaho’s $451,298.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to a 69% increase in Idaho.
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 8.14% more affordable than in Idaho.

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

ComparisonIdahoPennsylvania
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, EarthquakesFlooding, Snowstorms
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 50Β°F85Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)34Β°F / 14Β°F40Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)13.6"42"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60"38"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Idaho to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 13% fewer sunshine days than Idaho.
  • Pennsylvania has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Idaho.
  • Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho, but be on the lookout for potential flooding and snowstorms in Pennsylvania.
  • The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is the same as in Idaho.
  • The average winter lows are 6 degrees warmer than they are in Idaho.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 28.4 more inches of rain compared to Idaho.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Idaho and Pennsylvania

ComparisonIdahoPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$72,785$71,798
Cost of Living Index91.599.7
State Income Tax6.53.07
Avg. Property Tax0.751.58
Avg. Sales Tax6.06.34
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Technology, TourismManufacturing, Healthcare, Education
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowLow
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 1% less than those in Idaho
  • The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 9% higher than what you are used to living in Idaho
  • The state income tax in PA is 3.07 compared to 6.5 in ID
  • The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate compared to moderate in Idaho
  • The poverty level is low in Pennsylvania compared to low in Idaho
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Idaho and moderate in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in Idaho vs. Pennsylvania

ComparisonIdahoPennsylvania
Political Make-upConservative; Tends to vote RepublicanModerate Swing State; Mix of Republican and Democratic
Local PoliticsStrong support for state rights and libertarian principlesVaries widely; urban areas lean Democratic, while rural areas often support Republican policies
ReligionPredominantly Christian, with a significant Mormon populationMostly Christian, with diverse denominations; higher Catholic presence
  • Idaho tends to lean conservative and tends to vote Republican in its political climate
  • Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as a moderate swing state and has a mix of Republican and Democratic voters
  • Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as mostly Christian with diverse denominations and a higher Catholic presence
  • Idaho's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian with a significant Mormon population

Education Guide When Moving from Idaho to Pennsylvania

ComparisonIdahoPennsylvania
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Boise State University
University of Idaho
Idaho State University
University of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University
University of Pittsburgh
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLongfellow Elementary School - Boise
Andrus Elementary School - Boise
Ponderosa Elementary School - Meridian
Walton Farm Elementary School - North Wales
Howard R. Yocum Elementary School - Maple Shade
South Fayette Township Elementary School - McDonald
Top 3 Middle SchoolsNorth Star Charter School - Eagle
Riverstone International School - Boise
Heritage Middle School - Meridian
Radnor Middle School - Wayne
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School - Philadelphia
Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle School - Berwyn
Top 3 High School SchoolsBoise High School - Boise
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy - Coeur d'Alene
Renaissance High School - Meridian
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School - Philadelphia
Conestoga Senior High School - Berwyn
Downingtown STEM Academy - Downingtown
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Ambrose School - Meridian
Bishop Kelly High School - Boise
Coeur d'Alene Christian School - Coeur d'Alene
The Haverford School - Haverford
Shady Side Academy - Pittsburgh
The Baldwin School - Bryn Mawr
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsRiverstone International School - Boise
The Ambrose School - Meridian
Coeur d'Alene Christian School - Coeur d'Alene
Germantown Friends School - Philadelphia
Shady Side Academy - Pittsburgh
The Hill School - Pottstown
Top 3 School DistrictsBoise Independent District
Blaine County District
Moscow School District
Tredyffrin-Easttown School District
Lower Merion School District
Radnor Township School District

How Much Do Idaho to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 2,290 miles from Idaho to Pennsylvania will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $9,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 1-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,501300 ft3$8.34
1 Bedroom$3,729450 ft3$8.29
2 Bedrooms$6,177750 ft3$8.24
3 Bedrooms$9,0041100 ft3$8.19
4 Bedrooms$13,0171600 ft3$8.14
5+ Bedrooms$14,5541800 ft3$8.09

Top Idaho to Pennsylvania Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Idaho to Pennsylvania

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
208 Moving Company featured image

208 Moving Company

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details