Movers

Michigan to Idaho Moving Guide

Updated June 11, 2025

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Planning a 1,783 mile interstate move from Michigan to Idaho? This moving guide will help you compare living in Michigan vs Idaho across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Coney Dog vs Idaho Potatoes), real estate & housing (craftsman, 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 Coney Dog and Pasties, but get your taste buds ready for Idaho Potatoes & Trout
  • Idaho housing costs are 88% more expensive than they are in Michigan
  • Rent in Idaho is 11.37% more expensive than in Michigan
  • Moving from Michigan to Idaho will cost on average between $2,000 - $8,000
  • Our top recommended Michigan to Idaho movers is Pro-Low Moving

Michigan to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Idaho

ConsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Harsh winters
  • City congestion
  • High property taxes
  • Industrial areas
ProsIdaho iconIdaho
  • Milder winters
  • Less crowded cities
  • Lower property taxes
  • Scenic landscapes

Idaho iconIdaho
  • Quieter evenings
  • Fewer job options
  • Fewer museums
  • Fewer water activities
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Diverse job market
  • Cultural attractions
  • Great Lakes access

Pros of moving from Michigan to Idaho

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from city congestion and moving to Idaho with less crowded cities
  • Swap the high property taxes of Michigan for lower property taxes in Idaho
  • Get ready for scenic landscapes in Idaho

Cons of moving from Michigan to Idaho

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant nightlife in Michigan to live with quieter evenings in Idaho
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse job market and have to settle with the con of fewer job options
  • Time to bid farewell to cultural attractions and get used to fewer museums in Idaho
  • Swap Great Lakes access for fewer water activities

Michigan vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMichiganIdaho
Most iconic local food itemConey DogIdaho Potatoes
Most popular meat dishPastiesTrout
Most popular street food itemFaygo PopFinger Steaks
Most popular vegan foodTempeh ReubenLentil Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Slow's Bar BQ
  • Zingerman's Deli
  • Bell's Eccentric Cafe
  • Boise Fry Company
  • Fork
  • Westside Drive-In
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 Michigan to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Coney Dog of Michigan for the equally delicious Idaho Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Pasties and sumptuous Faygo Pop, Idaho residents know they have tasty Trout and Finger Steaks to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Reuben they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Burger of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Michigan eateries like Slow's Bar BQ, Zingerman's Deli, and Bell's Eccentric Cafe. 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, Fork, and Westside Drive-In.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Idaho

ComparisonMichiganIdaho
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, ColonialRanch, Craftsman
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 listingLake access, Large yardsMountain views, Outdoor activities
  • The Craftsman and Colonial architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Idaho.
  • Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and large yards, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and outdoor activities.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Idaho is less walkable than Michigan.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Idaho is more bike-friendly than Michigan.
  • Idaho has less of an urban feel than Michigan.
  • Idaho housing costs are 88% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 69% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
  • Rent in Idaho is 11.37% more expensive than in Michigan.

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

ComparisonMichiganIdaho
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 DisastersSnowstorms, Ice StormsWildfires, Earthquakes
Air QualityGoodVaries (Good to Moderate)
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)81Β°F/61Β°F85Β°F/53Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31Β°F/17Β°F36Β°F/19Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)32.8"18.9"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60.66"19.2"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Idaho. Idaho gets 21% more sunshine days than Michigan.
  • Idaho has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and ice storms in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
  • Get ready for warmer summers as the average summer high temperature in Idaho is 4 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho as Idaho receives 13.9 fewer inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Idaho

ComparisonMichiganIdaho
Avg. Household Income$66,986$72,785
Cost of Living Index91.291.5
State Income Tax4.25%up to 6.5%
Avg. Property Tax1.54%0.69%
Avg. Sales Tax6%6%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Health Care, AgricultureAgriculture, Technology, Tourism
AffluenceModerateComfortable
PovertyHighMedium
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 9% more than those in Michigan
  • The COLI in Idaho is 0% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
  • The state income tax in ID is up to 6.5% compared to 4.25% in MI
  • The affluence in Idaho is comfortable compared to moderate in Michigan
  • The poverty level is medium in Idaho compared to high in Michigan
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Michigan and low in Idaho

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Idaho

ComparisonMichiganIdaho
Political Make-upMixed; leans DemocraticConservative; leans Republican
Local PoliticsVaries by region. More liberal in places like Ann Arbor.Generally conservative, particularly in rural areas and the capital, Boise.
ReligionDiverse, with Christianity being predominantPrimarily Christian, with a significant presence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  • Michigan tends to lean mixed and leans Democratic in its political climate
  • Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as conservative and leans Republican
  • Idaho's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a significant presence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  • Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with Christianity being predominant

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to Idaho

ComparisonMichiganIdaho
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
Boise State University
University of Idaho
Idaho State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsNova Classical Academy
City Middle/High School
Haisley Elementary School
Anser Charter School
Cecil D Andrus Elementary School
Galileo Math & Science Magnet
Top 3 Middle SchoolsCanton Charter Academy
East Middle School
West Middle School
North Star Charter School
Heritage Middle School
Victory Middle School
Top 3 High SchoolsInternational Academy
City High Middle School
Troy High School
Boise High School
Coeur d'Alene High School
Renaissance High School
Top 3 private high schoolsRoeper School
Cranbrook Schools
Detroit Country Day School
Bishop Kelly High School
The Ambrose School
Riverstone International School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsGreenhills School
Detroit Country Day School
Cranbrook Schools
Riverstone International School
The Ambrose School
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy
Top 3 School DistrictsNovi Community School District
Troy School District
Birmingham Public Schools
Boise School District
Blaine County School District
Coeur d'Alene School District

How Much Do Michigan to Idaho Movers Cost?

Moving 1,783 miles from Michigan to Idaho will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 6.5-15.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Valley Custom Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,213300 ft3$7.38
1 Bedroom$3,297450 ft3$7.33
2 Bedrooms$5,458750 ft3$7.28
3 Bedrooms$7,9501100 ft3$7.23
4 Bedrooms$11,4841600 ft3$7.18
5+ Bedrooms$12,8301800 ft3$7.13

Top Michigan to Idaho Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

Best moving company overall for Michigan to Idaho

9.69/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
208 Moving Company featured image

208 Moving Company

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Valley Custom Moving featured image

Valley Custom Moving

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Michigan to Idaho Routes

Detroit to Idaho

Grand Rapids to Idaho