Idaho to Wyoming Moving Guide
Updated June 16, 2025

Planning a 516 mile interstate move from Idaho to Wyoming? This moving guide will help you compare living in Idaho vs Wyoming across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like higher cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Idaho Potatoes vs Bison), real estate & housing (modern and ranch vs ranch and cabin), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Wyoming), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Idaho Potatoes and Trout, but get your taste buds ready for Bison & Elk Steak
- Wyoming housing costs are 24% less expensive than they are in Idaho
- Rent in Wyoming is 31.96% more affordable than in Idaho
- Moving from Idaho to Wyoming will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
- Our top recommended Idaho to Wyoming movers is 208 Moving Company
Idaho to Wyoming Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Idaho to Wyoming
- Higher cost of living
- Limited job opportunities
- More crowded cities
- Extreme seasonal weather
- Lower cost of living
- Growing job market
- Less crowded towns
- Milder climates
- Fewer cultural events
- Limited amenities
- Less diverse economy
- Limited diversity
- Vibrant community life
- Outdoor recreation
- Rich agricultural presence
- Diverse population
Pros of moving from Idaho to Wyoming
- Say goodbye to the higher cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
- Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to Wyoming with a growing job market
- Swap the more crowded cities of Idaho for less crowded towns in Wyoming
- Get ready for milder climates in Wyoming
Cons of moving from Idaho to Wyoming
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant community life in Idaho to live with fewer cultural events in Wyoming
- You'll lose out on the pro of outdoor recreation and have to settle with the con of limited amenities
- Time to bid farewell to a rich agricultural presence and get used to a less diverse economy in Wyoming
- Swap a diverse population for limited diversity
Idaho vs. Wyoming: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Idaho | Wyoming |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Idaho Potatoes | Bison |
Most popular meat dish | Trout | Elk Steak |
Most popular street food item | Finger Steaks | Buffalo Burger |
Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Wild Mushroom Stew |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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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 Wyoming, you will be trading the iconic Idaho Potatoes of Idaho for the equally delicious Bison of Wyoming. And while the locals in Idaho rave about their flavorful Trout and sumptuous Finger Steaks, Wyoming residents know they have tasty Elk Steak and Buffalo Burger 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 Wild Mushroom Stew of Wyoming. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Idaho eateries like The Boise Fry Company, State & Lemp, and The Modern Hotel and Bar. After the boxes are unpacked in Wyoming, don't wait too long before making your way to Wyoming's acclaimed eateries like The Bunkhouse Bar & Grill, Lotus Cafe, and Snake River Grill.
When comparing lifestyles, Wyoming shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Idaho. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Wyoming compared to what you are used to in Idaho. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Wyoming.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Idaho and Wyoming
Comparison | Idaho | Wyoming |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Ranch | Ranch and Cabin |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Open concepts, Large yards | Views, Privacy |
- The Modern and Ranch architecture that Idaho is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Cabin architecture typical of Wyoming.
- Compared to Idaho's real estate listings that commonly reference open concepts and large yards, Wyoming real estate listings often highlight features like views and privacy.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Wyoming is less walkable than Idaho.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Wyoming is less bike-friendly than Idaho.
- Wyoming has less of an urban feel than Idaho.
- Wyoming housing costs are 24% less expensive than they are in Idaho, with a median home price of $340,933 compared to Idahoβs $451,298.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wyoming have increased 40% compared to a 69% increase in Idaho.
- Rent in Wyoming is 31.96% more affordable than in Idaho.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Idaho and Wyoming
Comparison | Idaho | Wyoming |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Wildfires, Floods | Wildfires, Blizzards |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 80-90Β°F / 40-50Β°F | 85-95Β°F / 50-60Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 30-40Β°F / 10-20Β°F | 30-40Β°F / 5-15Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 18 | 12 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 60 | 100 |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Idaho to Wyoming. Wyoming gets 15% more sunshine days than Idaho.
- Wyoming 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 blizzards in Wyoming.
- Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Wyoming is 5 degrees warmer than in Idaho.
- The average winter lows are 5 degrees colder than they are in Idaho.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Wyoming. Wyoming receives 6 fewer inches of rain compared to Idaho.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Idaho and Wyoming
Comparison | Idaho | Wyoming |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $72,785 | $70,042 |
Cost of Living Index | 91.5 | 98.75 |
State Income Tax | 6.925% | 0% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.75% | 0.61% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6% | 4% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Technology, Tourism | Minerals, Tourism, Agriculture |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate to High |
Poverty | Low | Low |
Homelessness | Minimal | Minimal |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wyoming tend to earn about 4% less than in Idaho
- The COLI in Wyoming will be 8% higher than what you are used to living in Idaho
- Hooray, moving to WY means you'll no longer have state income taxes
- The affluence in Wyoming is moderate to high compared to moderate in Idaho
- The poverty level is low in Wyoming compared to low in Idaho
- In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in Idaho and minimal in Wyoming
Political and Religious Climate in Idaho vs. Wyoming
Comparison | Idaho | Wyoming |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Conservative-dominated | Conservative-dominated |
Local Politics | Varies by county; urban areas lean slightly more liberal | Largely conservative across all counties |
Religion | LDS Church influence significant | Christianity prevalent; less LDS Church influence |
- Idaho tends to lean conservative-dominated in its political climate
- Wyoming, on the other hand, is often described as conservative-dominated
- Wyoming's religious environment can be described as Christianity prevalent with less LDS Church influence
- Idaho's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as significant LDS Church influence
Education Guide When Moving from Idaho to Wyoming
Comparison | Idaho | Wyoming |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Boise State University University of Idaho Idaho State University | University of Wyoming Wyoming Community College System Colorado State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Adams Elementary School Boise; Roosevelt Elementary Boise; Washington Elementary Boise | Cloud Peak Elementary School Sheridan; Meadowlark Elementary Sheridan; Slade Elementary Laramie |
Top 3 Middle Schools | North Junior High Boise; Heritage Middle School Meridian; Moscow Middle School Moscow | McCollum High School Cheyenne; Johnson Junior High Cheyenne; Laramie Middle School Laramie |
Top 3 High School Schools | Boise High School Boise; Idaho Fine Arts Academy Eagle; Renaissance High School Meridian | Central High School Cheyenne; Jackson Hole High School Jackson; Sheridan High School Sheridan |
Top 3 private high schools | Bishop Kelly High School Boise; The Ambrose School Meridian; Coeur d'Alene Christian School Coeur d'Alene | Jackson Hole Community School Jackson; St. Mary's Catholic School Cheyenne; Cody High School Cody |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Sage School Hailey; North Star Charter School Eagle; Riverstone International School Boise | J.H. Classical Academy Jackson; Cheyenne Classical Academy Cheyenne; Wyoming Catholic Classical Academy Lander |
Top 3 School Districts | Boise School District Blaine County School District Meridian School District | Sheridan County School District #2 Albany County School District #1 Teton County School District #1 |
How Much Do Idaho to Wyoming Movers Cost?
Moving 516 miles from Idaho to Wyoming 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.
- Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,500
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Valley Custom Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,495 | 300 ft3 | $4.98 |
1 Bedroom | $2,220 | 450 ft3 | $4.93 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,663 | 750 ft3 | $4.88 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,317 | 1100 ft3 | $4.83 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,653 | 1600 ft3 | $4.78 |
5+ Bedrooms | $8,520 | 1800 ft3 | $4.73 |
Top Idaho to Wyoming Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Idaho to Wyoming movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.