Massachusetts to Idaho Moving Guide
Updated June 24, 2025

Planning a 2,653 mile interstate move from Massachusetts to Idaho? This moving guide will help you compare living in Massachusetts vs Idaho across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high living costs vs lower living expenses), food & health (like Clam Chowder vs Idaho Potatoes), real estate & housing (colonial vs ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Clam Chowder and Lobster Roll, but get your taste buds ready for Idaho Potatoes & Idaho Trout
- Idaho housing costs are 26% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts
- Rent in Idaho is 36.37% more affordable than in Massachusetts
- Moving from Massachusetts to Idaho will cost on average between $2,500 - $10,000
- Our top recommended Massachusetts to Idaho movers is Paradise Moving & Storage
Massachusetts to Idaho Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to Idaho
- High living costs
- Heavy traffic
- Limited outdoor space
- Harsh winters
- Dense population
- Lower living expenses
- Minimal congestion
- Ample nature access
- Milder winters
- Lower population density
- Fewer top-ranked schools
- Limited medical facilities
- Fewer historical landmarks
- Less cultural diversity
- Adjusted urban pace
- Excellent education
- Advanced healthcare
- Rich history
- Culture variety
- Active urban life
Pros of moving from Massachusetts to Idaho
- Say goodbye to high living costs and hello to lower living expenses
- Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Idaho with minimal congestion
- Swap the limited outdoor space of Massachusetts for ample nature access in Idaho
- Get ready for milder winters in Idaho
Cons of moving from Massachusetts to Idaho
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from excellent education in Massachusetts to live with fewer top-ranked schools in Idaho
- You'll lose out on the pro of advanced healthcare and have to settle for the con of limited medical facilities
- Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to fewer historical landmarks in Idaho
- Swap cultural variety for less cultural diversity
Massachusetts vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Massachusetts | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Clam Chowder | Idaho Potatoes |
Most popular meat dish | Lobster Roll | Idaho Trout |
Most popular street food item | Clam Cakes | Finger Steaks |
Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Lentil Chili |
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 Massachusetts to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious Idaho Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Lobster Roll and sumptuous Clam Cakes, Idaho residents know they have tasty Idaho Trout and Finger Steaks 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 Lentil Chili of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Massachusetts eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar. After the boxes are unpacked in Idaho, don't wait too long before making your way to Idaho's acclaimed eateries like Boise Fry Company, State & Lemp, and Fork.
When comparing lifestyles, Idaho shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Massachusetts. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Idaho compared to what you are used to in Massachusetts. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Idaho.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and Idaho
Comparison | Massachusetts | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial | Ranch |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Close to public transportation, Energy-efficient appliances | Spacious lot, Proximity to nature |
- The Colonial architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Ranch architecture typical of Idaho.
- Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to public transportation and energy-efficient appliances, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like spacious lots and proximity to nature.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Idaho is less walkable than Massachusetts.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Idaho is less bike-friendly than Massachusetts.
- Idaho has less of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
- Idaho housing costs are 26% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Massachusettsβs $612,509.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased 69% compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
- Rent in Idaho is 36.37% more affordable than in Massachusetts.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Massachusetts and Idaho
Comparison | Massachusetts | 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 | Blizzards, Hurricanes | Wildfires, Earthquakes |
Air Quality | Good | Variable |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 80Β°F / 60Β°F | 85Β°F / 50Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 37Β°F / 22Β°F | 34Β°F / 15Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 47.7 | 18.9 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 51 | 60 |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Massachusetts to Idaho. Idaho gets 5% more sunshine days than Massachusetts.
- Idaho has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
- Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and hurricanes in Massachusetts, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
- Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Idaho is 5 degrees warmer than in Massachusetts.
- The average winter lows in Idaho are 7 degrees colder than they are in Massachusetts.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 28.8 fewer inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and Idaho
Comparison | Massachusetts | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $94,488 | $72,785 |
Cost of Living Index | 121.55 | 91.5 |
State Income Tax | 5.00% | 6.92% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.23% | 0.69% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.25% | 6.00% |
Top 3 Industries | Education, Healthcare, Technology | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Healthcare |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 23% less than in Massachusetts
- The COLI in Idaho will be 25% lower than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
- The state income tax in ID is 6.92% compared to 5.00% in MA
- The affluence in Idaho is moderate compared to high in Massachusetts
- The poverty level is moderate in Idaho compared to low in Massachusetts
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Massachusetts and low in Idaho
Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. Idaho
Comparison | Massachusetts | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Conservative/Republican |
Local Politics | Democratic-majority cities | Republican-majority local governments |
Religion | Majority Catholic, with diverse religious communities | Majority Protestant, with a significant Mormon presence |
- Massachusetts tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
- Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as Conservative/Republican
- Idaho's religious environment can be described as majority Protestant with a significant Mormon presence
- Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as majority Catholic with diverse religious communities
Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to Idaho
Comparison | Massachusetts | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Harvard University MIT Boston University | Boise State University University of Idaho Idaho State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | John D. Hardy Elementary Wellesley; Vinson-Owen Elementary Winchester; Chickering School Dover | Longfellow Elementary School Boise; Washington Elementary School Boise; Roosevelt Elementary School Boise |
Top 3 Middle Schools | William Diamond Middle School Lexington; Blanchard Middle School Westford; Doherty Middle School Andover | North Junior High School Boise; East Junior High School Boise; Fairmont Junior High School Boise |
Top 3 High School Schools | Boston Latin School Boston; Lexington High School Lexington; Brookline High School Brookline | Boise High School Boise; Idaho Fine Arts Academy Eagle; Coeur d'Alene High School Coeur d'Alene |
Top 3 private high schools | Phillips Academy Andover; Noble and Greenough School Dedham; Groton School Groton | Bishop Kelly High School Boise; The Ambrose School Meridian; Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy Coeur d'Alene |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Cambridge School of Weston Weston; Beaver Country Day School Chestnut Hill; Worcester Academy Worcester | Riverstone International School Boise; The Sage School Hailey; North Star Charter School Eagle |
Top 3 School Districts | Lexington Public Schools; Newton Public Schools; Wellesley Public Schools | Boise School District; Blaine County School District; Coeur d'Alene School District |
How Much Do Massachusetts to Idaho Movers Cost?
Moving 2,653 miles from Massachusetts to Idaho will typically cost between $4,000 and $10,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $4,000 - $10,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,707 | 300 ft3 | $9.02 |
1 Bedroom | $4,037 | 450 ft3 | $8.97 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,691 | 750 ft3 | $8.92 |
3 Bedrooms | $9,759 | 1100 ft3 | $8.87 |
4 Bedrooms | $14,115 | 1600 ft3 | $8.82 |
5+ Bedrooms | $15,789 | 1800 ft3 | $8.77 |
Top Massachusetts to Idaho Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Massachusetts to Idaho movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Paradise Moving & Storage
Best moving company overall for Massachusetts to Idaho