Washington to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Idaho

ConsWashington

• High taxes
• Heavy traffic
• Costly housing
• Rainy weather
• Limited outdoor spaces

ProsIdaho

• No state income tax
• Less congestion
• Affordable homes
• More sunshine
• Vast landscapes

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Idaho

• Fewer job opportunities
• Less diversity
• Quieter social scene
• Lower income levels
• Landlocked region

Washington

• Abundant jobs
• Diverse communities
• Vibrant nightlife
• Higher salaries
• Proximity to coast

Pros of moving from Washington to Idaho

• Say goodbye to high taxes and hello to no state income tax
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Idaho with less congestion
• Swap the costly housing of Washington for affordable homes in Idaho
• Get ready for more sunshine in Idaho

Cons of moving from Washington to Idaho

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from abundant jobs in Washington to live with fewer job opportunities in Idaho
• You'll lose out on the pro of diverse communities and have to settle for the con of less diversity
• Time to bid farewell to vibrant nightlife and get used to a quieter social scene in Idaho
• Swap higher salaries for lower income levels

Washington vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Washington to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Washington for the equally delicious Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful Teriyaki and sumptuous Hot Dogs, Idaho residents know they have tasty Prime Rib and Finger Steaks to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Black Bean Burger of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Washington eateries like The Pink Door, Canlis, and Ray’s Boathouse. After the boxes are unpacked in Idaho, don't wait too long before making your way to Idaho's acclaimed eateries like State & Lemp, Chandlers Steakhouse, and The Basque Market.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and Idaho

• The Modern and Craftsman architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Idaho.
• Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference green spaces and proximity to tech hubs, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like outdoor recreation and family-friendly neighborhoods.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Idaho is less walkable than Washington.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Idaho is less bike-friendly than Washington.
• Idaho has less of an urban feel than Washington.
• Idaho housing costs are 24% less expensive than they are in Washington, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Washington’s $591,148.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 69% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
• Rent in Idaho is 18.07% more affordable than in Washington.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to Idaho. Idaho gets 35% more sunshine days than Washington.
• Idaho has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Washington.
• Say goodbye to the possible floods and earthquakes in Washington, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and floods in Idaho.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Idaho is 10 degrees warmer than in Washington.
• The average winter lows in Idaho are 13 degrees colder than those in Washington.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 20 fewer inches of rain compared to Washington.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and Idaho

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 20% less than in Washington
• The COLI in Idaho will be 12% lower than what you are used to living in Washington
• Bummer... By moving from WA to ID, you'll now have a state income tax of 6.93%
• The affluence in Idaho is moderate compared to high in Washington
• The poverty level is low in Idaho compared to moderate in Washington
• In terms of homelessness, it is pronounced in Washington and minimal in Idaho

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. Idaho

• Washington tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as Republican
• Idaho's religious environment can be described as largely Christian
• Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with none being a clear majority

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to Idaho

How Much Do Washington to Idaho Movers Cost?

Moving 592 miles from Washington to Idaho will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.