Idaho to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Idaho to Washington

ConsIdaho

• Limited job market
• Isolation
• Harsh winters
• Rural areas

ProsWashington

• Job opportunities
• Vibrant social scene
• Mild climate
• Urban amenities

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Washington

• High living cost
• Busy lifestyle
• Traffic congestion
• Fast-paced culture

Idaho

• Affordable living cost
• Peaceful lifestyle
• Outdoor activities
• Simple living

Pros of moving from Idaho to Washington

• Say goodbye to the limited job market and hello to job opportunities
• Look forward to moving away from isolation and moving to Washington with a vibrant social scene
• Swap the harsh winters of Idaho for a mild climate in Washington
• Get ready for urban amenities in Washington

Cons of moving from Idaho to Washington

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the affordable living cost in Idaho to live with the high living cost in Washington
• You'll lose out on the pro of a peaceful lifestyle and have to settle with the con of a busy lifestyle
• Time to bid farewell to outdoor activities and get used to traffic congestion in Washington
• Swap simple living for a fast-paced culture

Idaho vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Idaho to Washington, you will be trading the iconic Idaho potatoes of Idaho for the equally delicious salmon of Washington. And while the locals in Idaho rave about their flavorful Idaho beef steaks and sumptuous finger steaks, Washington residents know they have tasty Pacific Northwest clam chowder and Pike Place chowder 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 tempeh Reuben of Washington. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Idaho eateries like The Chocolat Bar, State & Lemp, and Boise Fry Company. After the boxes are unpacked in Washington, don't wait too long before making your way to Washington's acclaimed eateries like Canlis, Salumi Artisan Cured Meats, and Beecher's Handmade Cheese.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Idaho and Washington

• The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Idaho is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Craftsman architecture typical of Washington.
• Compared to Idaho's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and mountain views, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly aspects and proximity to tech hubs.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Washington is more walkable than Idaho.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Washington is more bike-friendly than Idaho.
• Washington has more of an urban feel than Idaho.
• Washington housing costs are 31% more expensive than they are in Idaho, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to Idaho’s $451,298.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 69% increase in Idaho.
• Rent in Washington is 22.05% more expensive than in Idaho.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Idaho to Washington. Washington gets 24% fewer sunshine days than Idaho.
• Washington 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 earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in Washington.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Washington is 10 degrees colder than Idaho.
• The average winter lows in Washington are 19 degrees warmer than they are in Idaho.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Washington. Washington receives 20 more inches of rain compared to Idaho.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Idaho and Washington

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington tend to earn about 25% more than those in Idaho
• The COLI in Washington is 14% higher than what you are used to living in Idaho
• Hooray, moving to WA means you will no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in Washington is high compared to moderate in Idaho
• The poverty level is below average in Washington compared to average in Idaho
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Idaho and high in Washington

Political and Religious Climate in Idaho vs. Washington

• Idaho tends to lean conservative in its political climate
• Washington, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
• Washington's religious environment can be described as mixed religious views
• Idaho's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority

Education Guide When Moving from Idaho to Washington

How Much Do Idaho to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 590 miles from Idaho to Washington will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.