Louisiana to Idaho Moving Guide
Updated June 11, 2025

Planning a 2,012 mile interstate move from Louisiana to Idaho? This moving guide will help you compare living in Louisiana vs Idaho across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs drier climate), food & health (like Gumbo vs Potatoes), real estate & housing (french creole & colonial vs ranch & craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Idaho), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Gumbo and Jambalaya, but get your taste buds ready for Potatoes & Idaho Elk Steak
- Idaho housing costs are 127% more expensive than they are in Louisiana
- Rent in Idaho is 22.74% more expensive than in Louisiana
- Moving from Louisiana to Idaho will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,500
- Our top recommended Louisiana to Idaho movers is 208 Moving Company
Louisiana to Idaho Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Louisiana to Idaho
- High humidity
- Dense populations
- Hurricanes
- Heavy traffic
- Drier climate
- Open spaces
- Fewer natural disasters
- Less congestion
- Less cultural diversity
- Limited food options
- Fewer events
- Quiet evenings
- Rich culture
- Delicious cuisine
- Vibrant festivals
- Lively nightlife
Pros of moving from Louisiana to Idaho
- Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to a drier climate
- Look forward to moving away from dense populations and moving to Idaho with open spaces
- Swap the hurricanes of Louisiana for fewer natural disasters in Idaho
- Get ready for less congestion in Idaho
Cons of moving from Louisiana to Idaho
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich culture in Louisiana to live with less cultural diversity in Idaho
- You'll lose out on the pro of delicious cuisine and have to settle for the con of limited food options
- Time to bid farewell to vibrant festivals and get used to fewer events in Idaho
- Swap lively nightlife for quiet evenings
Louisiana vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Louisiana | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Gumbo | Potatoes |
Most popular meat dish | Jambalaya | Idaho Elk Steak |
Most popular street food item | Po'boys | Finger Steaks |
Most popular vegan food | Okra Gumbo | Wild Huckleberry Pie |
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 Louisiana to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Gumbo of Louisiana for the equally delicious Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Louisiana rave about their flavorful Jambalaya and sumptuous Po'boys, Idaho residents know they have tasty Idaho Elk Steak and Finger Steaks to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Gumbo they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Wild Huckleberry Pie of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Louisiana eateries like Commander's Palace, Willie Mae's Scotch House, and Antoine's Restaurant. After the boxes are unpacked in Idaho, don't wait too long before making your way to Idaho's acclaimed eateries like Westside Drive-In, Boise Fry Company, and Fork.
When comparing lifestyles, Idaho shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Louisiana. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Idaho, compared to what you are used to in Louisiana. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Idaho.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Louisiana and Idaho
Comparison | Louisiana | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | French Creole & Colonial | Ranch & Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, historic details | Mountain views, open spaces |
- The French Creole and Colonial architecture that Louisiana is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Idaho.
- Compared to Louisiana's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and historic details, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and open spaces.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Idaho is less walkable than Louisiana.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Idaho is more bike-friendly than Louisiana.
- Idaho has less of an urban feel than Louisiana.
- Idaho housing costs are 127% more expensive than they are in Louisiana, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Louisianaβs $199,091.
- Over the prior five years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 69% compared to a 13% increase in Louisiana.
- Rent in Idaho is 22.74% more expensive than in Louisiana.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Louisiana and Idaho
Comparison | Louisiana | Idaho |
---|---|---|
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 | Hurricanes, Floods | Wildfires, Earthquakes |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 91Β°F / 73Β°F | 85Β°F / 55Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 62Β°F / 43Β°F | 37Β°F / 17Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 60 | 20 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 0.2 | 60 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Louisiana to Idaho. Idaho gets 5% fewer sunshine days than Louisiana.
- Idaho has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Louisiana.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Louisiana, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Idaho is 6 degrees cooler than in Louisiana.
- The average winter lows in Idaho are 26 degrees colder than they are in Louisiana.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 40 fewer inches of rain compared to Louisiana.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Louisiana and Idaho
Comparison | Louisiana | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $55,416 | $72,785 |
Cost of Living Index | 96 | 91.5 |
State Income Tax | 2% to 6% | 1.125% to 6.925% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.18% | 0.69% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 4.45% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Petroleum, Manufacturing, Agriculture | Agriculture, Technology, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | High | Low |
Homelessness | Significant | Manageable |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 31% more than in Louisiana
- The COLI in Idaho is 5% lower than what you are used to living in Louisiana
- The state income tax in ID is 1.125% to 6.925% compared to 2% to 6% in LA
- The affluence in Idaho is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Louisiana
- The poverty level is low in Idaho compared to high poverty in Louisiana
- In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Louisiana and manageable in Idaho
Political and Religious Climate in Louisiana vs. Idaho
Comparison | Louisiana | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Mixed with a slight lean towards Democratic in urban areas | Strongly Republican |
Local Politics | Varied, with significant influence from local industries | Conservative, with emphasis on state rights and agricultural interests |
Religion | Primarily Christian, with a significant Catholic population | Majorly Christian, with a notable presence of Latter-Day Saints |
- Louisiana tends to lean mixed with a slight lean towards Democratic in its political climate
- Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
- Idaho's religious environment can be described as majorly Christian with a notable presence of Latter-Day Saints
- Louisiana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian with a significant Catholic population
Education Guide When Moving from Louisiana to Idaho
Comparison | Louisiana | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Louisiana State University Tulane University University of Louisiana | Boise State University University of Idaho Idaho State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Lusher Charter School (New Orleans) South Highlands Elementary Magnet (Shreveport) Glasgow Middle School (Baton Rouge) | White Pine Elementary (Boise) Anser Charter School (Garden City) Cecil D Andrus Elementary (Eagle) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Louisiana School for Math Science and the Arts (Natchitoches) Glasgow Middle School (Baton Rouge) Caddo Parish Middle Magnet (Shreveport) | North Star Charter School (Eagle) Treasure Valley Math and Science Center (Boise) Heritage Middle School (Meridian) |
Top 3 High Schools | Benjamin Franklin High School (New Orleans) Baton Rouge Magnet High School (Baton Rouge) Caddo Parish Magnet High School (Shreveport) | Renaissance High School (Meridian) Boise High School (Boise) McCall-Donnelly High School (McCall) |
Top 3 private high schools | Isidore Newman School (New Orleans) Metairie Park Country Day School (Metairie) Episcopal High School (Baton Rouge) | The Ambrose School (Meridian) Bishop Kelly High School (Boise) Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (Coeur d'Alene) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Louise S. McGehee School (New Orleans) Academy of the Sacred Heart (Grand Coteau) Episcopal School of Baton Rouge (Baton Rouge) | Riverstone International School (Boise) The Ambrose School (Meridian) North Idaho Christian School (Hayden) |
Top 3 School Districts | Zachary Community School District Central Community School System Ascension Parish School District | Blaine County School District Moscow School District Boise School District |
How Much Do Louisiana to Idaho Movers Cost?
Moving 2,012 miles from Louisiana to Idaho will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Valley Custom Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,343 | 300 ft3 | $7.81 |
1 Bedroom | $3,492 | 450 ft3 | $7.76 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,783 | 750 ft3 | $7.71 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,427 | 1100 ft3 | $7.66 |
4 Bedrooms | $12,177 | 1600 ft3 | $7.61 |
5+ Bedrooms | $13,609 | 1800 ft3 | $7.56 |
Top Louisiana to Idaho Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Louisiana to Idaho movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.