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New Jersey to Idaho Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

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Planning a 2,493 mile interstate move from New Jersey to Idaho? This moving guide will help you compare living in New Jersey vs Idaho across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high property taxes vs lower property taxes), food & health (like Pork Roll vs Idaho Potatoes), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs modern, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New Jersey), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Roll and Italian Hot Dog, but get your taste buds ready for Idaho Potatoes & Boise Fry Company Bison Burger
  • Idaho housing costs are 12% less expensive than they are in New Jersey
  • Rent in Idaho is 34.11% more affordable than in New Jersey
  • Moving from New Jersey to Idaho will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,500
  • Our top recommended New Jersey to Idaho movers is Big G Movers, INC

New Jersey to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Jersey to Idaho

ConsNew Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • High property taxes
  • Heavy traffic congestion
  • High cost of living
  • Dense population
  • Harsh winters
ProsIdaho iconIdaho
  • Lower property taxes
  • Less traffic
  • Affordable housing
  • More open space
  • Milder winters

Idaho iconIdaho
  • Far from major cities
  • Fewer restaurant choices
  • No coastal access
  • Less historical sites
  • Limited public transportation
New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Close to NYC
  • Diverse dining options
  • Variety of beaches
  • Rich history and culture
  • Public transit system

Pros of moving from New Jersey to Idaho

  • Say goodbye to high property taxes and hello to lower property taxes
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Idaho with less traffic
  • Swap the high cost of living in New Jersey for affordable housing in Idaho
  • Get ready for more open space in Idaho

Cons of moving from New Jersey to Idaho

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from close to NYC in New Jersey to live far from major cities in Idaho
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse dining options and have to settle for the con of fewer restaurant choices
  • Time to bid farewell to the variety of beaches and get used to no coastal access in Idaho
  • Swap rich history and culture for fewer historical sites

New Jersey vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNew JerseyIdaho
Most iconic local food itemPork RollIdaho Potatoes
Most popular meat dishItalian Hot DogBoise Fry Company Bison Burger
Most popular street food itemTaylor Ham Egg and Cheese SandwichStreet Tacos
Most popular vegan foodVegan PizzaQuinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Westside Drive-In
  • Boise Fry Company
  • Barbacoa Grill
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 New Jersey to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Pork Roll of New Jersey for the equally delicious Idaho Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in New Jersey rave about their flavorful Italian Hot Dog and sumptuous Taylor Ham Egg and Cheese Sandwich, Idaho residents know they have tasty Boise Fry Company Bison Burger and Street Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Pizza 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 New Jersey eateries like White House Subs, Dock's Oyster House, and Carlo's Bakery. After the boxes are unpacked in Idaho, don't wait too long before making your way to Idaho's acclaimed eateries like Westside Drive-In, Boise Fry Company, and Barbacoa Grill.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Jersey and Idaho

ComparisonNew JerseyIdaho
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianModern, Ranch
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 listingProximity to NYC, scenic viewsOutdoor activities, quiet living
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that New Jersey is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Ranch architecture typical of Idaho.
  • Compared to New Jersey's real estate listings, which commonly reference proximity to NYC and scenic views, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like outdoor activities and quiet living.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Idaho is less walkable than New Jersey.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Idaho is less bike-friendly than New Jersey.
  • Idaho has less of an urban feel than New Jersey.
  • Idaho housing costs are 12% less expensive than they are in New Jersey, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to New Jersey’s $512,908.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 69% compared to a 50% increase in New Jersey.
  • Rent in Idaho is 34.11% more affordable than in New Jersey.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between New Jersey and Idaho

ComparisonNew JerseyIdaho
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, Nor'eastersWildfires, Earthquakes
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6585/50
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40/2534/19
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4718
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2360
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Jersey to Idaho. Idaho gets 0% fewer sunshine days than New Jersey.
  • Idaho has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New Jersey.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in New Jersey, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
  • The average summer high temperature in Idaho is the same as New Jersey.
  • The average winter lows are 6 degrees colder than they are in New Jersey.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 29 fewer inches of rain compared to New Jersey.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Jersey and Idaho

ComparisonNew JerseyIdaho
Avg. Household Income$96,346$72,785
Cost of Living Index129.791.5
State Income Tax5.53%6.93%
Avg. Property Tax2.42%0.69%
Avg. Sales Tax6.63%6.00%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Pharmaceuticals, Information TechnologyAgriculture, Manufacturing, Technology
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessNotableMinimal
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 24% less than in New Jersey
  • The COLI in Idaho will be 29% lower than what you are used to living in New Jersey
  • The state income tax in ID is 6.93% compared to 5.53% in NJ
  • The affluence in Idaho is moderate compared to high in New Jersey
  • The poverty level is low in Idaho compared to moderate in New Jersey
  • In terms of homelessness, it is notable in New Jersey and minimal in Idaho

Political and Religious Climate in New Jersey vs. Idaho

ComparisonNew JerseyIdaho
Political Make-upLiberal-leaningConservative-leaning
Local PoliticsDemocrat-majority urban areasRepublican-majority rural and urban areas
ReligionMixed, with a significant Catholic presencePredominantly Christian, including Latter-day Saints
  • New Jersey tends to lean Liberal-leaning in its political climate
  • Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as conservative-leaning
  • Idaho's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian, including Latter-day Saints
  • New Jersey's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with a significant Catholic presence

Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to Idaho

ComparisonNew JerseyIdaho
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Rutgers University
Princeton University
Montclair State University
Boise State University
University of Idaho
Idaho State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWalnut St Elementary (Cranford)
Littlebrook Elementary School (Princeton)
Roosevelt Elementary School (Westfield)
Longfellow Elementary School (Boise)
Adams Elementary School (Boise)
Washington Elementary School (Boise)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsCommunity Middle School (Plainsboro)
Grover Middle School (Princeton Junction)
Cavallini Middle School (Upper Saddle River)
North Junior High School (Boise)
Lakeside Middle School (Plummer)
Moscow Middle School (Moscow)
Top 3 High School SchoolsHigh Technology High School (Lincroft)
Bergen County Academies (Hackensack)
Princeton High School (Princeton)
Boise High School (Boise)
Renaissance High School (Meridian)
McCall-Donnelly High School (McCall)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville)
The Pingry School (Basking Ridge)
Newark Academy (Livingston)
The Ambrose School (Meridian)
Bishop Kelly High School (Boise)
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (Coeur d'Alene)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPrinceton Day School (Princeton)
Morristown-Beard School (Morristown)
Rutgers Preparatory School (Somerset)
The Sage School (Hailey)
Riverstone International School (Boise)
The Ambrose School (Meridian)
Top 3 School DistrictsPrinceton Public Schools
Millburn Township Schools
Summit Public Schools
Boise School District
Blaine County School District
Moscow School District

How Much Do New Jersey to Idaho Movers Cost?

Moving 2,493 miles from New Jersey to Idaho will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $4,000 - $9,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Valley Custom Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,616300 ft3$8.72
1 Bedroom$3,901450 ft3$8.67
2 Bedrooms$6,465750 ft3$8.62
3 Bedrooms$9,4261100 ft3$8.57
4 Bedrooms$13,6311600 ft3$8.52
5+ Bedrooms$15,2451800 ft3$8.47

Top New Jersey to Idaho Movers

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

TOP PICK
Big G Movers, INC featured image

Big G Movers, INC

Best moving company overall for New Jersey to Idaho

9.54/10
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

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