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Mississippi to Idaho Moving Guide

Updated June 15, 2025

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Planning a 2,084 mile interstate move from Mississippi to Idaho? This moving guide will help you compare living in Mississippi vs Idaho across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs dryer climate), food & health (like Catfish vs Potatoes), real estate & housing (colonial revival vs craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Idaho), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Catfish and Barbecue Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Potatoes & Boise Bolognese
  • Idaho housing costs are 153% more expensive than they are in Mississippi
  • Rent in Idaho is 17.99% more expensive than in Mississippi
  • Moving from Mississippi to Idaho will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,500
  • Our top recommended Mississippi to Idaho movers is 208 Moving Company

Mississippi to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Mississippi to Idaho

ConsMississippi iconMississippi
  • High humidity
  • Limited public land
  • Severe storms
  • High poverty rate
ProsIdaho iconIdaho
  • Dryer climate
  • Vast outdoor spaces
  • Mild weather
  • Lower unemployment rate

Idaho iconIdaho
  • Limited dining options
  • Lesser historical sites
  • Cold winters
  • Less diverse population
Mississippi iconMississippi
  • Southern cuisine
  • Rich history
  • Mild winters
  • Warm community

Pros of moving from Mississippi to Idaho

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to a dryer climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public land and moving to Idaho with vast outdoor spaces
  • Swap the severe storms of Mississippi for mild weather in Idaho
  • Get ready for a lower unemployment rate in Idaho

Cons of moving from Mississippi to Idaho

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from southern cuisine in Mississippi to live with limited dining options in Idaho
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle for the con of fewer historical sites
  • Time to bid farewell to mild winters and get used to cold winters in Idaho
  • Swap a warm community for a less diverse population

Mississippi vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMississippiIdaho
Most iconic local food itemCatfishPotatoes
Most popular meat dishBarbecue RibsBoise Bolognese
Most popular street food itemPo'boysIdaho Fry Company Fries
Most popular vegan foodOkra GumboBoise Beet Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Mayflower Cafe
  • City Grocery
  • Walker's 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 Mississippi to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Catfish of Mississippi for the equally delicious Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Mississippi rave about their flavorful Barbecue Ribs and sumptuous Po'boys, Idaho residents know they have tasty Boise Bolognese and Idaho Fry Company Fries 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 Boise Beet Burger of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Mississippi eateries like Mayflower Cafe, City Grocery, and Walker's Drive-In. 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, Bittercreek Alehouse, and The Capital Cellar.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Mississippi and Idaho

ComparisonMississippiIdaho
Typical Architecture StyleColonial RevivalCraftsman
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 listingLarge lots, Quiet neighborhoodsOutdoor recreation, Views
  • The Colonial Revival architecture that Mississippi is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman architecture typical of Idaho.
  • Compared to Mississippi's real estate listings that commonly reference large lots and quiet neighborhoods, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like outdoor recreation and views.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Idaho is more walkable than Mississippi.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Idaho is more bike-friendly than Mississippi.
  • Idaho has more of an urban feel than Mississippi.
  • Idaho housing costs are 153% more expensive than they are in Mississippi, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Mississippi’s $178,490.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased 69% compared to a 31% increase in Mississippi.
  • Rent in Idaho is 17.99% more expensive than in Mississippi.

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

ComparisonMississippiIdaho
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 DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesFloods, Wildfires
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)91Β°F / 70Β°F85Β°F / 55Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)55Β°F / 34Β°F37Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)59"18"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1"60"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Mississippi to Idaho. Idaho gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Mississippi.
  • Idaho has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Mississippi.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Mississippi, but be on the lookout for potential floods and wildfires in Idaho.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Idaho is 6 degrees colder than in Mississippi.
  • The average winter lows in Idaho are 14 degrees colder than they are in Mississippi.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 41 fewer inches of rain compared to Mississippi.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Mississippi and Idaho

ComparisonMississippiIdaho
Avg. Household Income$52,719$72,785
Cost of Living Index92.191.5
State Income Tax5%6.5%
Avg. Property Tax0.8%0.63%
Avg. Sales Tax7%6%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, HealthcareAgriculture, Technology, Tourism
AffluenceModerateGrowing
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 38% more than in Mississippi
  • The COLI in Idaho will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in Mississippi
  • The state income tax in ID is 6.5% compared to 5% in MS
  • The affluence in Idaho is growing compared to moderate affluence in Mississippi
  • The poverty level is moderate in Idaho compared to high poverty in Mississippi
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Mississippi and low in Idaho

Political and Religious Climate in Mississippi vs. Idaho

ComparisonMississippiIdaho
Political Make-upTraditionally Democratic, now trending RepublicanStrongly Republican
Local PoliticsMix of Democratic and Republican, depending on areaLargely Republican across most areas
ReligionPrimarily Christian, with a strong Baptist presenceMajority Christian, with a mix of denominations
  • Mississippi tends to lean traditionally Democratic and is now trending Republican in its political climate
  • Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
  • Idaho's religious environment can be described as majority Christian with a mix of denominations
  • Mississippi's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian with a strong Baptist presence

Education Guide When Moving from Mississippi to Idaho

ComparisonMississippiIdaho
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
University of Southern Mississippi
Boise State University
University of Idaho
Idaho State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMannsdale Elementary School (Madison)
Madison Station Elementary School (Madison)
Oxford Elementary School (Oxford)
White Pine Elementary School (Boise)
Ponderosa Elementary School (Meridian)
Galileo STEM Academy (Eagle)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMadison Middle School (Madison)
Oxford Middle School (Oxford)
Northwest Rankin Middle School (Flowood)
North Star Charter School (Eagle)
Heritage Middle School (Meridian)
Lake Hazel Middle School (Boise)
Top 3 High SchoolsOxford High School (Oxford)
Madison Central High School (Madison)
Lewisburg High School (Olive Branch)
Boise High School (Boise)
Renaissance High School (Meridian)
Coeur d'Alene High School (Coeur d'Alene)
Top 3 private high schoolsJackson Preparatory School (Jackson)
Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Madison)
St. Andrew's Episcopal School (Ridgeland)
Boise High School
Bishop Kelly High School (Boise)
The Ambrose School (Meridian)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSt. Andrew's Episcopal School (Ridgeland)
Jackson Preparatory School (Jackson)
Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (Columbus)
The Ambrose School (Meridian)
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (Coeur d'Alene)
Riverstone International School (Boise)
Top 3 School DistrictsMadison County School District
Oxford School District
Clinton Public School District
Boise Independent School District
Blaine County School District
Coeur d'Alene School District

How Much Do Mississippi to Idaho Movers Cost?

Moving 2,084 miles from Mississippi 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 - $8,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Valley Custom Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,384300 ft3$7.95
1 Bedroom$3,553450 ft3$7.90
2 Bedrooms$5,885750 ft3$7.85
3 Bedrooms$8,5761100 ft3$7.80
4 Bedrooms$12,3941600 ft3$7.75
5+ Bedrooms$13,8541800 ft3$7.70

Top Mississippi to Idaho Movers

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

TOP PICK
208 Moving Company featured image

208 Moving Company

Best moving company overall for Mississippi to Idaho

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Valley Custom Moving featured image

Valley Custom Moving

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
MoveMint - Pack & Move

MoveMint - Pack & Move

8.59/10
FabulousView details
Top Mississippi to Idaho Routes

Jackson to Idaho