$1,331 Movers From California to Idaho

The cost to move from California to Idaho averages from $775 to $6,641 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Idaho to California guide.

Moving from California to Idaho resources

Moving 909 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best California to Idaho movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Idaho is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to Idaho.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
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(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from California to Idaho?

The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving from California to Idaho for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,331 - $5,333 $894 - $2,377 $718 - $1,290
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,957 - $6,641 $1,588 - $3,145 $775 - $1,533
4+ bedrooms $4,466 - $9,469 $2,227 - $4,512 $982 - $1,843
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 909 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Idaho will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in California is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from California to Idaho?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Idaho will cost between $1,331 to $5,333. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to ID will range from $2,957 to $6,641, and a large move from California to Idaho will cost from $4,466 to $9,469.

How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Idaho?

Moving containers from California to Idaho will cost you $894 to $2,377 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,588 to $3,145. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,227 to $4,512. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.

How much is a moving truck from California to Idaho?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $718 to $1,290. A larger move will cost $775 to $1,533, and a 4+ bedroom move from California to Idaho costs from $982 to $1,843.

Is moving from California to Idaho a good idea?

If you’re moving to Idaho from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of Living: California vs Idaho

California Idaho
Average rent cost $1,586 $887
Average home cost $746,055 $434,224
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $70,214
Cost of Living Index 100 100
Unemployment rate 4.8% 3.2%
Average Sales Tax 8.68% 6.03%
State Income Tax 13.3% 5.8%
  • Rent is about 44% less expensive in Idaho than in California.
  • Home prices are about 41.8% lower in Idaho than in California.
  • The average income is about 23.6% lower in Idaho than in California.
  • Cost of living is about the same in Idaho and California.
  • Idaho has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 33.3%.
  • Sales taxes are 30.53% lower in Idaho than in California.
  • Income taxes are 56.39% lower in Idaho than in California.

How is life different in Idaho from California?

Idaho California
Population 1,939,033 39,029,342
Political leaning Republican 64-33 Democratic 63-34
Summer High 85ºF 87ºF
Winter Low 17ºF 59ºF
Annual Rain 18" 22"
Annual Snow 47" 7"
Crime Index 12.95 27.88
  • The population of Idaho is approximately 95% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Idaho voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Idaho is 85ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Idaho reaches the temperature of 17ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 18 inches of annual rainfall in Idaho vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Idaho, it snows about 47 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Idaho has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 27.88 vs 12.95.

Comparing the pros of California vs. Idaho:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in California vs Idaho side-by-side.

Pros of living in California Pros of living in Idaho
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Pleasant weather Low cost of living
Abundant recreational options High quality of life
High quality of life Beautiful landscapes
Fresh and healthy foods Bountiful recreational opportunities

Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Idaho:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving California for Idaho.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in Idaho
High cost of living Low diversity
Heavy tax burdens Harsh winters
Natural disasters Political dominance
Terrible traffic Isolation
Strange laws Competitive housing

Considerations for moving to Idaho

  • Weather: The climate in Idaho varies widely. In the west cloud cover, humidity, and precipitation are at their maximum extent. Idaho can be hot but have relatively low humidity and cooler evenings during the summer months. It is important to know that winters in Idaho can be cold.
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State Licensing: In Idaho, in-state movers are regulated by and must register with the Idaho Transportation Department. In cases of unresolvable disputes with local movers, they may help. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Idaho moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Idaho does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Idaho. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection for minimal coverage, provided by movers at no extra charge. With liability capped at 60 cents per pound per article, consider alternative coverage options from your selected moving company or explore third-party insurance for full value protection.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local California movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Maison Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
1371 Santa Fe Dr., Tustin, CA, 92780
(800) 832-5950
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
8362 Galena Ave, Sacramento, CA, 95828
(916) 596-9374

Visit our Best Movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Things to do in Idaho

While you’re in Idaho, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state.

  • 1: Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
  • 2: Sun Valley
  • 3: Shoshone Falls
  • 4: Yellowstone National Park
  • 5: Snake River Adventures
  • 6: Coeur d'Alene
  • 7: Idaho Falls
  • 8: Bruneau Dunes State Park
  • 9: Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
  • 10: Museum of Idaho
  • 11: Sawtooth National Recreation Area
  • 12: Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site
  • 13: Lava Hot Springs
  • 14: Silverwood Theme Park
  • 15: Boise River Greenbelt
  • 16: Idaho Botanical Garden
  • 17: City of Rocks National Reserve
  • 18: Yellowstone Bear World
  • 19: Zoo Boise
  • 20: Idaho Potato Museum & Potato Station Café

FAQs about moving from California to Idaho

What is the cheapest way to move from California to Idaho?

The cheapest way to move from California to Idaho is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from California to Idaho?

The main reasons people are moving from California to Idaho are the amazing upsides of living in Idaho such as ample economic opportunity and low cost of living.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Idaho