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Wisconsin to Idaho Moving Guide

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Updated June 13, 2025

Planning a 1,605 mile interstate move from Wisconsin to Idaho? This moving guide will help you compare living in Wisconsin vs Idaho across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Cheese Curds vs Potatoes), real estate & housing (prairie and craftsman vs ranch and craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Wisconsin), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Cheese Curds and Bratwurst, but get your taste buds ready for Potatoes & Rocky Mountain Oysters
  • Idaho housing costs are 53% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin
  • Rent in Idaho is 29.20% more expensive than in Wisconsin
  • Moving from Wisconsin to Idaho will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended Wisconsin to Idaho movers is Elite Movers
Wisconsin to Idaho featured image

Top Wisconsin to Idaho Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for Wisconsin to Idaho

9.58/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
208 Moving Company featured image

208 Moving Company

9.50/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.44/10
Exceptional

Wisconsin to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to Idaho

ConsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Harsh winters
  • Higher cost of living
  • Dense population
  • Limited outdoor activities
  • Flat landscapes
ProsIdaho iconIdaho
  • Milder winters
  • Lower cost of living
  • More open spaces
  • Abundant outdoor adventures
  • Scenic mountains

Idaho iconIdaho
  • Fewer historic landmarks
  • Fewer craft beer options
  • More limited entertainment options
  • Less variety in dairy
  • Smaller job market
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Rich cultural history
  • Great local breweries
  • Lively music scene
  • Renowned cheese
  • Dense job market

Pros of moving from Wisconsin to Idaho

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from a higher cost of living and moving to Idaho with a lower cost of living
  • Swap the dense population of Wisconsin for more open spaces in Idaho
  • Get ready for abundant outdoor adventures in Idaho

Cons of moving from Wisconsin to Idaho

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a rich cultural history in Wisconsin to live with fewer historic landmarks in Idaho
  • You'll lose out on the pro of great local breweries and have to settle for the con of fewer craft beer options
  • Time to bid farewell to a lively music scene and get used to more limited entertainment options in Idaho
  • Swap renowned cheese for less variety in dairy

Wisconsin vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWisconsinIdaho
Most iconic local food itemCheese CurdsPotatoes
Most popular meat dishBratwurstRocky Mountain Oysters
Most popular street food itemFried Cheese CurdsIdaho-Style Fries
Most popular vegan foodBeer-Battered MushroomsVegan Huckleberry Pie
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • L'Etoile
  • Smyth
  • Mader's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Wisconsin to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Cheese Curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful Bratwurst and sumptuous Fried Cheese Curds, Idaho residents know they have tasty Rocky Mountain Oysters and Idaho-Style Fries to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Beer-Battered Mushrooms they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Huckleberry Pie of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Wisconsin eateries like L'Etoile, Smyth, and Mader's. 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 & Lemp, and Barbacoa Grill.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and Idaho

ComparisonWisconsinIdaho
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and CraftsmanRanch and Craftsman
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 listingLake access, spacious backyardsMountain views, open floor plans
  • The Prairie and Craftsman architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Idaho.
  • Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and spacious backyards, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and open floor plans.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Idaho is less walkable than Wisconsin.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Idaho is less bike-friendly than Wisconsin.
  • Idaho has less of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
  • Idaho housing costs are 53% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Wisconsin’s $294,909.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 69% compared to a 47% increase in Wisconsin.
  • Rent in Idaho is 29.20% more expensive than in Wisconsin.

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

ComparisonWisconsinIdaho
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 DisastersSnowstorms, TornadoesWildfires, Earthquakes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F/63Β°F85Β°F/53Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)28Β°F/13Β°F37Β°F/17Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3218
Annual Snowfall (Inches)4860
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Wisconsin to Idaho. Idaho gets 9% more sunshine days than Wisconsin.
  • Idaho has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Wisconsin, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
  • The average summer high temperature in Idaho is 3 degrees warmer than in Wisconsin.
  • The average winter lows are 4 degrees warmer than they are in Wisconsin.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 14 fewer inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and Idaho

ComparisonWisconsinIdaho
Avg. Household Income$70,996$72,785
Cost of Living Index95.6591.5
State Income Tax3.54 to 7.65%1.125 to 6.925%
Avg. Property Tax1.68%0.69%
Avg. Sales Tax5.44%6.03%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcareAgriculture, Technology, Tourism
AffluenceModerateGrowing
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 3% more than in Wisconsin
  • The COLI in Idaho is 4% lower than what you are used to living in Wisconsin
  • The state income tax in ID is 1.125 to 6.925% compared to 3.54 to 7.65% in WI
  • The affluence in Idaho is growing compared to moderate affluence in Wisconsin
  • The poverty level is low in Idaho compared to moderate poverty in Wisconsin
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Wisconsin and low in Idaho

Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. Idaho

ComparisonWisconsinIdaho
Political Make-upMixed; swing stateConservative
Local PoliticsVaries by localityMostly Republican dominance
ReligionChristian majority with diverse religious communitiesChristian majority, significant LDS presence
  • Wisconsin tends to lean mixed and is a swing state in its political climate
  • Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as conservative
  • Idaho's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with a significant LDS presence
  • Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to Idaho

ComparisonWisconsinIdaho
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison
Marquette University
Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee
University of Idaho
Moscow
Boise State University
Boise
Idaho State University
Pocatello
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMilwaukee German Immersion School
Milwaukee
Gifford Elementary
Racine
Clara Mohammed School
Milwaukee
Adams Elementary School
Boise
Idaho Hill Elementary School
Priest River
Barbara Morgan STEM Academy
Meridian
Top 3 Middle SchoolsNorth Lake Elementary School
Hartland
Bay View Middle School
Green Bay
Hamilton Middle School
Madison
North Junior High School
Boise
Lewis and Clark Middle School
Meridian
Sacajawea Middle School
Lewiston
Top 3 High School SchoolsKimberly High School
Kimberly
Muskego High School
Muskego
Whitefish Bay High School
Whitefish Bay
Bishop Kelly High School
Boise
Meridian Technical Charter High School
Meridian
Madison High School
Rexburg
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
St. John's Northwestern Academies
Delafield
Riverstone International School
Boise
Sage International School
Boise
Ambrose School
Meridian
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
Trinity Academy
Pewaukee
Riverstone International School
Boise
Ambrose School
Meridian
Foothills School of Arts & Sciences
Boise
Top 3 School DistrictsElmbrook School District
Brookfield
Whitefish Bay School District
Whitefish Bay
Waunakee Community School District
Waunakee
Boise Independent School District
Boise
West Ada School District
Meridian
Moscow School District
Moscow

How Much Do Wisconsin to Idaho Movers Cost?

Moving 1,605 miles from Wisconsin 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 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,112300 ft3$7.04
1 Bedroom$3,146450 ft3$6.99
2 Bedrooms$5,206750 ft3$6.94
3 Bedrooms$7,5801100 ft3$6.89
4 Bedrooms$10,9461600 ft3$6.84
5+ Bedrooms$12,2241800 ft3$6.79

Milwaukee to Idaho

Madison to Idaho