Montana to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Montana to Idaho

ConsMontana

• Harsh winters
• Limited job market
• Less tech access
• Remote areas

ProsIdaho

• Milder winters
• Diverse job opportunities
• More tech hubs
• Easy access to cities

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Idaho

• More urban areas
• Less outdoor space
• Busier lifestyle
• Higher cost of living

Montana

• Natural beauty
• Outdoor recreation
• Quiet lifestyle
• Low cost of living

Pros of moving from Montana to Idaho

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Idaho with diverse job opportunities
• Swap the less tech access of Montana for more tech hubs in Idaho
• Get ready for easy access to cities in Idaho

Cons of moving from Montana to Idaho

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the natural beauty in Montana to live with more urban areas in Idaho
• You'll lose out on the pro of outdoor recreation and have to settle with the con of less outdoor space
• Time to bid farewell to a quiet lifestyle and get used to a busier lifestyle in Idaho
• Swap the low cost of living for a higher cost of living

Montana vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Montana to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Huckleberry Pie of Montana for the equally delicious Idaho Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Montana rave about their flavorful Bison Steak and sumptuous Elk Burgers, Idaho residents know they have tasty Trout and Finger Steaks to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Lentil Chili they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Montana eateries like The Mint Cafe and Bar, Buck's T-4 Lodge, and Lucca's. After the boxes are unpacked in Idaho, don't wait too long before making your way to Idaho's acclaimed eateries like Fork, The Modern Hotel and Bar, and Boise Fry Company.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Montana and Idaho

• The Ranch and Log Cabin architecture that Montana is known for will be replaced with the Modern Farmhouse and Ranch architecture typical of Idaho.
• Compared to Montana's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and large lots, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and access to nature.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Idaho is more walkable than Montana.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Idaho is more bike-friendly than Montana.
• Idaho has more of an urban feel than Montana.
• Idaho housing costs are 1% less expensive than they are in Montana, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Montana’s $456,199.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 69% compared to a 71% increase in Montana.
• Rent in Idaho is 14.62% more expensive than in Montana.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Montana to Idaho. Idaho gets 2% fewer sunshine days than Montana.
• Idaho has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Montana.
• Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and floods in Montana, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
• The average summer high temperature in Idaho is 3 degrees warmer than in Montana.
• The average winter lows are 5 degrees warmer than they are in Montana.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Idaho. Idaho receives 3 more inches of rain compared to Montana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Montana and Idaho

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 8% more than those in Montana
• The COLI in Idaho is 8% lower than what you are used to living in Montana
• The state income tax in ID is 6.92% compared to 6.75% in MT
• The affluence in Idaho is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Montana
• The poverty level is low in Idaho compared to low poverty in Montana
• In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in Montana and minimal in Idaho

Political and Religious Climate in Montana vs. Idaho

• Montana tends to lean Republican in its political climate
• Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
• Idaho's religious environment can be described as significantly Christian, especially the LDS Church
• Montana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority, with a notable presence of other faiths

Education Guide When Moving from Montana to Idaho

How Much Do Montana to Idaho Movers Cost?

Moving 522 miles from Montana to Idaho will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.