Ohio to Idaho Moving Guide
Updated June 9, 2025

Planning a 1,996 mile interstate move from Ohio to Idaho? This moving guide will help you compare living in Ohio vs Idaho across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Buckeye candies vs Idaho potatoes), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs ranch, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Idaho), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Buckeye candies and Cincinnati chili, but get your taste buds ready for Idaho potatoes & Idaho trout
- Idaho housing costs are 102% more expensive than they are in Ohio
- Rent in Idaho is 11.59% more expensive than in Ohio
- Moving from Ohio to Idaho will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,500
- Our top recommended Ohio to Idaho movers is Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC
Ohio to Idaho Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Ohio to Idaho
- Harsh winters
- Industrial landscapes
- Heavy traffic
- High pollution
- Limited hiking
- Milder climate
- Natural beauty
- Less congestion
- Clean air
- Numerous trails
- Less cultural diversity
- Fewer educational options
- Limited dining choices
- Smaller art scene
- Quieter evenings
- Diverse culture
- Numerous universities
- Renowned restaurants
- Strong local arts
- Abundant nightlife
Pros of moving from Ohio to Idaho
- Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder climate
- Look forward to moving away from industrial landscapes and moving to Idaho with natural beauty
- Swap the heavy traffic of Ohio for less congestion in Idaho
- Get ready for clean air in Idaho
Cons of moving from Ohio to Idaho
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from diverse culture in Ohio to live with less cultural diversity in Idaho
- You'll lose out on the pro of numerous universities and have to settle for the con of fewer educational options
- Time to bid farewell to renowned restaurants and get used to limited dining choices in Idaho
- Swap strong local arts for a smaller art scene
Ohio vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Ohio | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Buckeye candies | Idaho potatoes |
Most popular meat dish | Cincinnati chili | Idaho trout |
Most popular street food item | Polish Boy | Finger Steaks |
Most popular vegan food | Black bean burgers | Quinoa and wild rice dishes |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Ohio to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Buckeye candies of Ohio for the equally delicious Idaho potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Ohio rave about their flavorful Cincinnati chili and sumptuous Polish Boy, Idaho residents know they have tasty Idaho trout and Finger Steaks to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Black bean burgers they've grown to love, they can get ready for the quinoa and wild rice dishes of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Ohio eateries like Schmidtβs Sausage Haus, Slyman's Deli, and Terry's Turf Club. 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, Brick Oven Bistro, and Casa del Matador.
When comparing lifestyles, Idaho shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Ohio. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Idaho, compared to what you are used to in Ohio. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Idaho.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Ohio and Idaho
Comparison | Ohio | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Craftsman | Ranch, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious backyards, historic details | Mountain views, open layouts |
- The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Ohio is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Idaho.
- Compared to Ohio's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and historic details, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and open layouts.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Idaho is less walkable than Ohio.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Idaho is less bike-friendly than Ohio.
- Idaho has less of an urban feel than Ohio.
- Idaho housing costs are 102% more expensive than they are in Ohio, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Ohioβs $223,135.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 69% compared to a 49% increase in Ohio.
- Rent in Idaho is 11.59% more expensive than in Ohio.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Ohio and Idaho
Comparison | Ohio | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Wildfires, Earthquakes |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 83Β°F/63Β°F | 85Β°F/43Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 36Β°F/19Β°F | 34Β°F/14Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 39 | 18 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 28 | 60 |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Ohio to Idaho. Idaho gets 15% more sunshine days than Ohio.
- Idaho has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Ohio.
- Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Ohio, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
- The average summer high temperature in Idaho is 2 degrees warmer than in Ohio.
- The average winter lows in Idaho are 5 degrees colder than they are in Ohio.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 21 fewer inches of rain compared to Ohio.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Ohio and Idaho
Comparison | Ohio | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $65,720 | $72,785 |
Cost of Living Index | 92.85 | 91.5 |
State Income Tax | 1.98% - 4.797% | 1.125% - 6.925% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.57% | 0.69% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 5.75% | 6.0% |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Finance | Agriculture, Technology, Mining |
Affluence | Moderate | Varied |
Poverty | Average | Low |
Homelessness | Manageable | Minimal |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 11% more than those in Ohio
- The COLI in Idaho will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in Ohio
- The state income tax in ID is 1.125% - 6.925% compared to 1.98% - 4.797% in OH
- The affluence in Idaho is varied compared to moderate affluence in Ohio
- The poverty level is low in Idaho compared to average poverty in Ohio
- In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Ohio and minimal in Idaho
Political and Religious Climate in Ohio vs. Idaho
Comparison | Ohio | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Swing state, with a mix of conservative and liberal voters | Strongly conservative, especially at the state level |
Local Politics | Varies, with liberal policies in urban areas like Columbus | Conservative across much of the state, with a focus on rural interests |
Religion | Christianity dominant, but with a diverse religious landscape | Heavily Christian, with a significant presence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
- Ohio tends to lean swing state, with a mix of conservative and liberal voters in its political climate
- Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as strongly conservative, especially at the state level
- Idaho's religious environment can be described as heavily Christian, with a significant presence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Ohio's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, but with a diverse religious landscape
Education Guide When Moving from Ohio to Idaho
Comparison | Ohio | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Ohio State University University of Cincinnati Miami University | Boise State University University of Idaho Idaho State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Indian Hill Elementary Cincinnati; Granville Elementary Granville; Ottawa Hills Elementary Toledo | Longfellow Elementary Boise; White Pine Elementary Boise; Adams Elementary Boise |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Bexley Middle School Bexley; Hudson Middle School Hudson; Mason Middle School Mason | North Star Charter Eagle; Heritage Middle School Meridian; Lakeside Elementary School Plummer |
Top 3 High Schools | Walnut Hills High School Cincinnati; Bexley High Bexley; Solon High Solon | Boise High School Boise; McCall-Donnelly High School McCall; Renaissance High School Meridian |
Top 3 private high schools | Hawken School Gates Mills; Columbus Academy Gahanna; University School Hunting Valley | Bishop Kelly High School Boise; Ambrose School Meridian; Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy Coeur d'Alene |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Seven Hills School Cincinnati; Columbus School for Girls Columbus; Western Reserve Academy Hudson | Riverstone International School Boise; The Ambrose School Meridian; North Idaho Christian School Hayden |
Top 3 School Districts | Indian Hill Exempted Village School District; Solon City School District; Ottawa Hills Local School District | Boise School District; Blaine County School District; Meridian Joint District |
How Much Do Ohio to Idaho Movers Cost?
Moving 1,996 miles from Ohio 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: 2-3 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,334 | 300 ft3 | $7.78 |
1 Bedroom | $3,479 | 450 ft3 | $7.73 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,760 | 750 ft3 | $7.68 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,393 | 1100 ft3 | $7.63 |
4 Bedrooms | $12,128 | 1600 ft3 | $7.58 |
5+ Bedrooms | $13,554 | 1800 ft3 | $7.53 |
Top Ohio to Idaho Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Ohio to Idaho movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC
Best moving company overall for Ohio to Idaho