Movers

Idaho to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Updated June 6, 2025

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Planning a 1,605 mile interstate move from Idaho to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in Idaho vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like rural isolation vs urban amenities), food & health (like Idaho Potatoes vs Cheese Curds), real estate & housing (ranch, craftsman vs prairie, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Wisconsin), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Idaho Potatoes and Idaho Trout, but get your taste buds ready for Cheese Curds & Bratwurst
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 35% less expensive than they are in Idaho
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 22.60% more affordable than in Idaho
  • Moving from Idaho to Wisconsin will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended Idaho to Wisconsin movers is Elite Movers

Idaho to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Idaho to Wisconsin

ConsIdaho iconIdaho
  • Rural isolation
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited cultural events
ProsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Urban amenities
  • Diverse job market
  • Distinct seasonal beauty
  • Rich cultural scene

Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Fewer nature escapes
  • Higher expenses
  • Higher crime rates
  • Less connected communities
Idaho iconIdaho
  • Natural landscapes
  • Low cost of living
  • Low crime rates
  • Friendly communities

Pros of moving from Idaho to Wisconsin

  • Say goodbye to rural isolation and hello to urban amenities
  • Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to Wisconsin with a diverse job market
  • Swap the harsh winters of Idaho for distinct seasonal beauty in Wisconsin
  • Get ready for a rich cultural scene in Wisconsin

Cons of moving from Idaho to Wisconsin

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from natural landscapes in Idaho to live with fewer nature escapes in Wisconsin
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a low cost of living and have to settle with the con of higher expenses
  • Time to bid farewell to low crime rates and get used to higher crime rates in Wisconsin
  • Swap friendly communities for less connected communities

Idaho vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIdahoWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemIdaho PotatoesCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishIdaho TroutBratwurst
Most popular street food itemFinger SteaksFried Cheese Curds
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladVegan Bratwurst
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Statehouse
  • Fork
  • Juniper
  • The Old Fashioned
  • La Fibule
  • Graze
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 Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Idaho Potatoes of Idaho for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in Idaho rave about their flavorful Idaho Trout and sumptuous Finger Steaks, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Fried Cheese Curds 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 Bratwurst of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Idaho eateries like Statehouse, Fork, and Juniper. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like The Old Fashioned, La Fibule, and Graze.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Idaho and Wisconsin

ComparisonIdahoWisconsin
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, CraftsmanPrairie, Cape Cod
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 yards, mountain viewsLakefront, energy efficiency
  • The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Idaho is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Cape Cod architecture typical of Wisconsin.
  • Compared to Idaho's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and mountain views, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like lakefront access and energy efficiency.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Wisconsin is more walkable than Idaho.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than Idaho.
  • Wisconsin has more of an urban feel than Idaho.
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 35% less expensive than they are in Idaho, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to Idaho’s $451,298.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 47% compared to a 69% increase in Idaho.
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 22.60% more affordable than in Idaho.

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

ComparisonIdahoWisconsin
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, EarthquakesBlizzards, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°/40Β°82Β°/55Β°
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)34Β°/15Β°28Β°/13Β°
Annual Rainfall (Inches)18"32"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60"48"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Idaho to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Idaho.
  • Wisconsin 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 blizzards and tornadoes in Wisconsin.
  • The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 3 degrees colder than in Idaho.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in Idaho.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 14 more inches of rain compared to Idaho.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Idaho and Wisconsin

ComparisonIdahoWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$72,785$70,996
Cost of Living Index91.595.65
State Income Tax6.5%7.65%
Avg. Property Tax0.69%1.68%
Avg. Sales Tax6.0%5.5%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, HealthcareManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 2% less than in Idaho
  • The COLI in Wisconsin will be 5% higher than what you are used to living in Idaho
  • The state income tax in WI is 7.65% compared to 6.5% in ID
  • The affluence in Wisconsin is moderate compared to moderate in Idaho
  • The poverty level is moderate in Wisconsin compared to low in Idaho
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Idaho and moderate in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in Idaho vs. Wisconsin

ComparisonIdahoWisconsin
Political Make-upLean ConservativeSwing State
Local PoliticsRepublican Dominance in LegislatureMixed, with Democratic Majorities in Urban Areas
ReligionLargely Christian, Significant LDS PresencePrimarily Christian, Diverse Religious Communities in Urban Areas
  • Idaho tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as a swing State
  • Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian
  • Idaho's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Christian

Education Guide When Moving from Idaho to Wisconsin

ComparisonIdahoWisconsin
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Boise State University
University of Idaho
Idaho State University
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Marquette University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWhite Pine Elementary
Ammon; Longfellow Elementary
Boise; Roosevelt Elementary
Boise
Swallow School
Hartland; Lake Country School
Hartland; Shorewood Hills Elementary
Madison
Top 3 Middle SchoolsNorth Star Charter
Eagle; Galileo STEM Academy
Eagle; Heritage Middle School
Meridian
Kromrey Middle School
Middleton; Glacier Creek Middle School
Cross Plains; Pilgrim Park Middle School
Elm Grove
Top 3 High SchoolsBoise High School
Boise; Renaissance High School
Meridian; Timberline High School
Boise
Whitefish Bay High
Whitefish Bay; Middleton High
Middleton; Brookfield East High
Brookfield
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Ambrose School
Meridian; Bishop Kelly High School
Boise; Coeur d'Alene Christian School
Coeur d'Alene
University School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee; Marquette University High School
Milwaukee; Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Ambrose School
Meridian; North Idaho Christian School
Hayden; Classical Christian Academy
Post Falls
University School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee; Brookfield Academy
Brookfield; St. John's Northwestern Academies
Delafield
Top 3 School DistrictsBoise School District
West Ada School District
Coeur d'Alene School District
Elmbrook School District
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Mequon-Thiensville School District

How Much Do Idaho to Wisconsin Movers Cost?

Moving 1,605 miles from Idaho to Wisconsin will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,112300 ft3$7.04
1 Bedroom$3,146450 ft3$6.99
2 Bedrooms$5,206750 ft3$6.94
3 Bedrooms$7,5801100 ft3$6.89
4 Bedrooms$10,9461600 ft3$6.84
5+ Bedrooms$12,2241800 ft3$6.79

Top Idaho to Wisconsin Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for Idaho to Wisconsin

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
208 Moving Company featured image

208 Moving Company

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
ExceptionalView details