Pennsylvania to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Idaho

ConsPennsylvania

• High summer humidity
• Cloudy winter days
• Heavy traffic corridors
• Expensive toll roads
• Higher property taxes
• Annual vehicle inspections
• Pothole-prone roads
• Limited mountain terrain
• Less public land
• Higher auto insurance
• Urban noise congestion
• Limited ski options
• Industrial air pollution
• Dense population
• High mold exposure
• Few big peaks
• Limited whitewater

ProsIdaho

• Drier summer air
• More sunny days
• Lighter commutes
• No toll roads
• Lower property taxes
• Fewer inspections
• Less road salt
• Vast mountain access
• Abundant public lands
• Lower auto insurance
• Quieter communities
• World-class skiing
• Cleaner mountain air
• Lower population density
• Lower mold exposure
• Dramatic alpine peaks
• Renowned whitewater rivers

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Idaho

• Higher income tax
• Taxes clothing
• Limited public transit
• Remote from big hubs
• Smaller job market
• Fewer pro teams
• Fewer major museums
• Fewer nonstop routes
• Beaches far away
• Fewer universities nearby
• Fewer specialty centers
• Rising housing costs
• Car-dependent suburbs
• Sparser urban shade
• Seasonal wildfire smoke
• Long trips to hubs

Pennsylvania

• Lower income tax
• No tax on clothing
• Robust public transit
• East Coast proximity
• Diverse job market
• Major league sports
• Rich historical sites
• More direct flights
• Short drive to beaches
• Abundant universities
• Established healthcare hubs
• Lower housing costs
• Walkable historic towns
• Mature tree canopy
• Less wildfire smoke
• Closer to DC/NYC

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Idaho

• Say goodbye to high summer humidity and hello to drier summer air
• Look forward to moving away from cloudy winter days and moving to Idaho with more sunny days
• Swap the heavy traffic corridors of Pennsylvania for lighter commutes in Idaho
• Get ready for no toll roads in Idaho

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Idaho

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower income tax in Pennsylvania to live with higher income tax in Idaho
• You'll lose out on the pro of no tax on clothing and have to settle for the con of taxes on clothing
• Time to bid farewell to robust public transit and get used to limited public transit in Idaho
• Swap East Coast proximity for remoteness from big hubs

Pennsylvania vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Pennsylvania to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Idaho Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pittsburgh-style steak and sumptuous Pretzels, Idaho residents know they have tasty Idaho rainbow trout and Finger Steaks to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Cheesesteak 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 Pennsylvania eateries like Geno's Steaks, Primanti Bros., and Zahav. 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, State and Lemp, and Fork.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Idaho

• The Colonial and Federal architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Idaho.
• Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings, which commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like open floor plans and large lots.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Idaho is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Idaho is less bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
• Idaho has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
• Idaho housing costs are 73% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased 69% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
• Rent in Idaho is 8.86% more expensive than in Pennsylvania.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to Idaho. Idaho gets 15% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
• Idaho has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
• Say goodbye to the possible storms and floods in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
• The average summer high temperature in Idaho is the same as in Pennsylvania.
• The average winter lows are 5 degrees colder than they are in Pennsylvania.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 22 fewer inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Idaho

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 1% more than in Pennsylvania
• The COLI in Idaho is 8% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
• The state income tax in Idaho is 6.925% compared to 3.07% in Pennsylvania
• The affluence in Idaho is moderate compared to moderate in Pennsylvania
• The poverty level is moderate in Idaho compared to moderate in Pennsylvania
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Pennsylvania and low in Idaho

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Idaho

• Pennsylvania tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
• Idaho's religious environment can be described as Christian (predominantly Protestant) with less religious diversity
• Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian (Catholic and Protestant) with diverse religious communities

How Much Do Pennsylvania to Idaho Movers Cost?

Moving 2,289 miles from Pennsylvania to Idaho will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.