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Massachusetts to Idaho Moving Guide

Updated June 24, 2025

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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

ConsMassachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • High living costs
  • Heavy traffic
  • Limited outdoor space
  • Harsh winters
  • Dense population
ProsIdaho iconIdaho
  • Lower living expenses
  • Minimal congestion
  • Ample nature access
  • Milder winters
  • Lower population density

Idaho iconIdaho
  • Fewer top-ranked schools
  • Limited medical facilities
  • Fewer historical landmarks
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Adjusted urban pace
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • 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

ComparisonMassachusettsIdaho
Most iconic local food itemClam ChowderIdaho Potatoes
Most popular meat dishLobster RollIdaho Trout
Most popular street food itemClam CakesFinger Steaks
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladLentil Chili
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Union Oyster House
  • Neptune Oyster
  • Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar
  • Boise Fry Company
  • State & Lemp
  • Fork
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 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

ComparisonMassachusettsIdaho
Typical Architecture StyleColonialRanch
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 listingClose to public transportation, Energy-efficient appliancesSpacious 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 Massachusetts’s $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

ComparisonMassachusettsIdaho
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 DisastersBlizzards, HurricanesWildfires, Earthquakes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)80Β°F / 60Β°F85Β°F / 50Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37Β°F / 22Β°F34Β°F / 15Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47.718.9
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5160
  • 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

ComparisonMassachusettsIdaho
Avg. Household Income$94,488$72,785
Cost of Living Index121.5591.5
State Income Tax5.00%6.92%
Avg. Property Tax1.23%0.69%
Avg. Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, TechnologyAgriculture, Manufacturing, Healthcare
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • 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

ComparisonMassachusettsIdaho
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticConservative/Republican
Local PoliticsDemocratic-majority citiesRepublican-majority local governments
ReligionMajority Catholic, with diverse religious communitiesMajority 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

ComparisonMassachusettsIdaho
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 SchoolsJohn 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 SchoolsWilliam 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 SchoolsBoston 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 schoolsPhillips 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 schoolsThe 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 DistrictsLexington Public Schools; Newton Public Schools; Wellesley Public SchoolsBoise 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 - $10,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,707300 ft3$9.02
1 Bedroom$4,037450 ft3$8.97
2 Bedrooms$6,691750 ft3$8.92
3 Bedrooms$9,7591100 ft3$8.87
4 Bedrooms$14,1151600 ft3$8.82
5+ Bedrooms$15,7891800 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.

TOP PICK
Paradise Moving & Storage featured image

Paradise Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Massachusetts to Idaho

9.71/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Stairhopper Movers featured image

Stairhopper Movers

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Varsity Movers LLC featured image

Varsity Movers LLC

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Massachusetts to Idaho Routes

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