PA to ID Moving Specialists

Pennsylvania to Idaho Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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Planning a 2,289 mile interstate move from Pennsylvania to Idaho? This moving guide will help you compare living in Pennsylvania vs Idaho across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high taxes vs lower taxes), food & health (like Philly Cheesesteak vs Idaho Potatoes), real estate & housing (colonial, federal vs craftsman, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Philly Cheesesteak and Pittsburgh-style steak, but get your taste buds ready for Idaho Potatoes & Idaho rainbow trout
  • Idaho housing costs are 73% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania
  • Rent in Idaho is 8.86% more expensive than in Pennsylvania
  • Moving from Pennsylvania to Idaho will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended Pennsylvania to Idaho movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Top Pennsylvania to Idaho Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to Idaho

9.64/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC featured image

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

9.51/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
Exceptional

Pennsylvania to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Idaho

ConsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • High taxes
  • Humid summers
  • Heavy traffic
  • Expensive housing
  • Urban sprawl
ProsIdaho iconIdaho
  • Lower taxes
  • Dry climate
  • Less congestion
  • Affordable housing
  • Open spaces

Idaho iconIdaho
  • Less historical depth
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • Fewer higher education choices
  • Smaller community events
  • Limited cuisine variety
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Rich history
  • Vibrant art scene
  • Top universities
  • Renowned festivals
  • Diverse dining options

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Idaho

  • Say goodbye to high taxes and hello to lower taxes
  • Look forward to moving away from humid summers and moving to Idaho with a dry climate
  • Swap the heavy traffic of Pennsylvania for less congestion in Idaho
  • Get ready for affordable housing in Idaho

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Idaho

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a rich history in Pennsylvania to live with less historical depth in Idaho
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a vibrant art scene and have to settle with the con of fewer cultural venues
  • Time to bid farewell to top universities and get used to fewer higher education choices in Idaho
  • Swap renowned festivals for smaller community events

Pennsylvania vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonPennsylvaniaIdaho
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakIdaho Potatoes
Most popular meat dishPittsburgh-style steakIdaho rainbow trout
Most popular street food itemPretzelsFinger Steaks
Most popular vegan foodMushroom CheesesteakQuinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Geno's Steaks
  • Primanti Bros.
  • Zahav
  • Boise Fry Company
  • State & Lemp
  • Fork
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 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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaIdaho
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, FederalCraftsman, 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 listingHardwood floors, Granite countertopsOpen floor plans, Large lots
  • 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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaIdaho
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 DisastersStorms, FloodsWildfires, Earthquakes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6285/47
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)36/2034/15
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4220
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3860
  • 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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaIdaho
Avg. Household Income$71,798$72,785
Cost of Living Index99.791.5
State Income Tax3.07%6.925%
Avg. Property Tax1.58%0.69%
Avg. Sales Tax6.34%6.03%
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, ManufacturingAgriculture, Technology, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowLow
  • 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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaIdaho
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticStrongly Republican
Local PoliticsMixed urban/rural divide impacts politicsRural with conservative values dominating
ReligionChristian (Catholic and Protestant), Diverse religious communitiesChristian (Predominantly Protestant), Less religious diversity
  • 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

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Idaho

ComparisonPennsylvaniaIdaho
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Penn State University
University of Pennsylvania
Temple University
Boise State University
University of Idaho
Idaho State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAdlai E. Stevenson Elementary School (Pittsburgh)
Albert M. Greenfield School (Philadelphia)
Marshall School (Harrisburg)
Longfellow Elementary School (Boise)
McSorley Elementary School (Lewiston)
Christine Donnell School of the Arts (Meridian)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsJulia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Radnor Middle School (Radnor)
Haverford Middle School (Havertown)
North Star Charter School (Eagle)
Heritage Middle School (Meridian)
Lakeside Middle School (Plummer)
Top 3 High SchoolsJulia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Conestoga High School (Berwyn)
Central High School (Philadelphia)
Boise High School (Boise)
Renaissance High School (Meridian)
Coeur d'Alene High School (Coeur d'Alene)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Haverford School (Haverford)
Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh)
Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia)
Bishop Kelly High School (Boise)
The Ambrose School (Meridian)
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (Coeur d'Alene)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr)
Friends' Central School (Wynnewood)
Germantown Academy (Fort Washington)
The Sage School (Hailey)
Riverstone International School (Boise)
The Ambrose School (Meridian)
Top 3 School DistrictsTredyffrin-Easttown School District
Radnor Township School District
Lower Merion School District
Boise School District
Blaine County School District
Coeur d'Alene School District

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.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $9,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 1-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,500300 ft3$8.33
1 Bedroom$3,728450 ft3$8.28
2 Bedrooms$6,175750 ft3$8.23
3 Bedrooms$9,0021100 ft3$8.18
4 Bedrooms$13,0141600 ft3$8.13
5+ Bedrooms$14,5511800 ft3$8.08

Philadelphia to Idaho

Pittsburgh to Idaho