Texas to Idaho Moving Guide
Updated June 17, 2025

Planning a 1,458 mile interstate move from Texas to Idaho? This moving guide will help you compare living in Texas vs Idaho across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like extreme summer heat vs cooler temperatures), food & health (like Barbecue brisket vs Potatoes), real estate & housing (ranch-style, modern farmhouse vs craftsman, ranch-style), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Idaho), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Barbecue brisket and Beef ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Potatoes & Trout
- Idaho housing costs are 48% more expensive than they are in Texas
- Rent in Idaho is 4.58% more affordable than in Texas
- Moving from Texas to Idaho will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
- Our top recommended Texas to Idaho movers is Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery
Texas to Idaho Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Texas to Idaho
- Extreme summer heat
- High property taxes
- Heavy traffic
- Hurricane risk
- Narrow city lanes
- Cooler temperatures
- Lower property taxes
- Smoother commute
- Less severe weather
- Wide open spaces
- Fewer job opportunities
- Less diversity
- Lack of higher education
- Limited entertainment
- Fewer restaurant choices
- Thriving economy
- Diverse culture
- Renowned universities
- Bustling nightlife
- Plentiful dining options
Pros of moving from Texas to Idaho
- Say goodbye to extreme summer heat and hello to cooler temperatures
- Look forward to moving away from high property taxes and moving to Idaho with lower property taxes
- Swap the heavy traffic of Texas for a smoother commute in Idaho
- Get ready for less severe weather in Idaho
Cons of moving from Texas to Idaho
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a thriving economy in Texas to live with fewer job opportunities in Idaho
- You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle for the con of less diversity
- Time to bid farewell to renowned universities and get used to the lack of higher education in Idaho
- Swap a bustling nightlife for limited entertainment
Texas vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Texas | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Barbecue brisket | Potatoes |
Most popular meat dish | Beef ribs | Trout |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Idaho potato fries |
Most popular vegan food | Tex-Mex inspired quinoa salad | Wild mushroom stroganoff |
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 Texas to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic barbecue brisket of Texas for the equally delicious potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Texas rave about their flavorful beef ribs and sumptuous tacos, Idaho residents know they have tasty trout and Idaho potato fries to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tex-Mex inspired quinoa salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the wild mushroom stroganoff of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Texas eateries like Franklin Barbecue, Killen's Barbecue, and Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. 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 Chandler's Steakhouse.
When comparing lifestyles, Idaho shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Texas. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Idaho, compared to what you are used to in Texas. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Idaho.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Texas and Idaho
Comparison | Texas | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch-style, Modern Farmhouse | Craftsman, Ranch-style |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, proximity to cities | Natural scenery, access to outdoor activities |
- The Ranch-style and Modern Farmhouse architecture that Texas is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch-style architecture typical of Idaho.
- Compared to Texas's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and proximity to cities, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like natural scenery and access to outdoor activities.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Idaho is less walkable than Texas.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Idaho is less bike-friendly than Texas.
- Idaho has less of an urban feel than Texas.
- Idaho housing costs are 48% more expensive than they are in Texas, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Texasβs $304,027.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 69% compared to a 45% increase in Texas.
- Rent in Idaho is 4.58% more affordable than in Texas.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Texas and Idaho
Comparison | Texas | 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 | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Wildfires, Earthquakes |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 94Β°F / 72Β°F | 85Β°F / 50Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 60Β°F / 40Β°F | 37Β°F / 17Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 36" | 18" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 1" | 60" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Texas to Idaho. Idaho gets 12% fewer sunshine days than Texas.
- Idaho has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Texas.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Texas, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Idaho is 9 degrees colder than in Texas.
- The average winter lows are 23 degrees colder than they are in Texas.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 18 fewer inches of rain compared to Texas.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Texas and Idaho
Comparison | Texas | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $72,284 | $72,785 |
Cost of Living Index | 91.1 | 91.5 |
State Income Tax | 0% | 6.92% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.81% | 0.63% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.19% | 6.03% |
Top 3 Industries | Oil, Technology, Agriculture | Agriculture, Technology, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Diverse | Modest |
Poverty | Moderate | Lower |
Homelessness | Significant | Minimal |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 1% more than those in Texas
- The COLI in Idaho will be 0% higher than what you are used to living in Texas
- Bummer... By moving from TX to ID, you'll now have a state income tax of 6.92%
- The affluence in Idaho is modest compared to diverse in Texas
- The poverty level is lower in Idaho compared to moderate in Texas
- In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Texas and minimal in Idaho
Political and Religious Climate in Texas vs. Idaho
Comparison | Texas | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Traditionally Republican, with recent shifts towards Democratic in urban areas | Predominantly Republican, especially in rural areas |
Local Politics | Local issues often revolve around oil, immigration, and healthcare | Focuses on agriculture, state rights, and gun ownership |
Religion | Evangelical Protestant, Catholic | Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Evangelical Protestant |
- Texas tends to lean traditionally Republican with recent shifts towards Democratic in urban areas in its political climate
- Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as predominantly Republican especially in rural areas
- Idaho's religious environment can be described as Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and Evangelical Protestant
- Texas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Evangelical Protestant and Catholic
Education Guide When Moving from Texas to Idaho
Comparison | Texas | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Texas Texas A&M University University of Houston | Boise State University University of Idaho Idaho State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | William B Travis Academy Dallas; T.H. Rogers School Houston; School for the Talented and Gifted Dallas | Longfellow Elementary School Boise; Christine Donnell School of the Arts Boise; Adams Elementary School Boise |
Top 3 Middle Schools | William B Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted Dallas; Houston Gateway Academy - Coral Campus Houston; St. Mark's School of Texas Dallas | North Star Charter School Eagle; Heritage Middle School Meridian; Lakeside Elementary School Plummer |
Top 3 High Schools | School for the Talented and Gifted Dallas; School of Science and Engineering Dallas; Liberal Arts and Science Academy Austin | Boise High School Boise; Renaissance High School Meridian; Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy Coeur d'Alene |
Top 3 private high schools | St. Mark's School of Texas Dallas; The Hockaday School Dallas; Greenhill School Addison | Bishop Kelly High School Boise; The Ambrose School Meridian; Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy Coeur d'Alene |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Trinity Valley School Fort Worth; Greenhill School Addison; St. Stephen's Episcopal School Austin | The Ambrose School Meridian; Riverstone International School Boise; Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy Coeur d'Alene |
Top 3 School Districts | Eanes Independent School District Carroll Independent School District Highland Park Independent School District | Boise School District West Ada School District Blaine County School District |
How Much Do Texas to Idaho Movers Cost?
Moving 1,458 miles from Texas to Idaho will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-6 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,029 | 300 ft3 | $6.76 |
1 Bedroom | $3,021 | 450 ft3 | $6.71 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,998 | 750 ft3 | $6.66 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,275 | 1100 ft3 | $6.61 |
4 Bedrooms | $10,502 | 1600 ft3 | $6.56 |
5+ Bedrooms | $11,724 | 1800 ft3 | $6.51 |
Top Texas to Idaho Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Texas to Idaho movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery
Best moving company overall for Texas to Idaho