Moving to Idaho: Pros and Cons in 2025
Thinking of moving to Idaho? You’re not alone. The Gem State draws folks from everywhere—whether you’re after the excitement of Boise or the charm of quiet small towns, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.
Idaho has plenty to offer, but before making the move and buying a home, take a moment to weigh the pros and cons.
We’ll break down everything you should know about moving to Idaho so you can easily decide if it’s the right place for you.
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Pros & cons of living in Idaho
Like any big move, relocating to Idaho comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Gem State to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of living in Idaho
- ✓Ample economic opportunity
- ✓Low cost of living
- ✓High quality of life
- ✓Beautiful landscapes
- ✓Bountiful recreational opportunities
Cons of living in Idaho
- ✖Low diversity
- ✖Harsh winters
- ✖Political dominance
- ✖Isolation
- ✖Competitive housing
Things to do in Idaho
No matter why you’re heading to Idaho—for a job, family, or just a change of scenery—you’ll want to dive into everything your new home has to offer. The great thing is, Idaho is packed with exciting activities and places to discover, no matter what you’re into.
These places are perfect for family outings or for meeting new people if you’re exploring on your own. With so many choices, you’re sure to find a spot that matches your style and makes you feel at home.
Popular Attractions in Idaho
- Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
- Sun Valley
- Shoshone Falls
- Yellowstone National Park
- Snake River Adventures
- Coeur d’Alene
- Idaho Falls
- Bruneau Dunes State Park
- Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
- Museum of Idaho
Museums in Idaho
- Museum of Clean
- Warhawk Air Museum
- Museum of Idaho
- Legacy Flight Museum
- Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Education Center
- Collector Corner Museum
- Bruneau Dunes Observatory
- The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho
- Idaho Potato Museum
- Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum
Parks in Idaho
- Harriman State Park
- Sawtooth Wilderness Area
- Indian Creek Park
- McEuen Park
- Thousand Springs State Park
- Coeur d’Alene City Park and Independence Point
- Camel’s Back Park
- Eagle Island State Park
- Kathryn Albertson Park
- Settlers Park
Fun facts about Idaho
Each state has its own distinct flavor, influenced by its history, culture, and residents. Exploring local traditions and quirks lets you really experience what life is like there.
Learning these fun facts about Idaho reveals what makes the state unique—and might even spark your interest in making it your new home.
- The state’s name derived from a Native American word that means “the land of many waters.” The pronunciation is similar to the state’s name.
- Idaho is sometimes referred to as the Gem State. One can find nearly 72 types of precious stones in the state.
- The state grows nearly one-third of America’s potatoes.
- Idaho produces other crops besides potatoes. The state is actually known as the Lentil Capital of the World. It is also known for having one of the largest hops farms in the United States.
- This state is known for having a canyon with an interesting name. The canyon is called Hells Canyon, and it’s 7,900 feet deep. Keep in mind that this is deeper than the Grand Canyon.
- It might sound a little strange, but it is against the law for a man to give his beloved a box of sweets that weighs more than 50 pounds.
- It is illegal for a person to fish while they are riding the back of a camel.
- A person cannot sweep dirt from his or her house into the street. This is a law in Eagle, Idaho where cleanliness is definitely valued by the people in the city.
- This state offers the longest gondola ride in the world, so strap in and enjoy nature from above. The gondola is in the Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg.
- The Lake Coeur d’Alene boardwalk is 3,300 feet long and is known as the longest boardwalk in the world.
Idaho population and demographics
Planning a move to Idaho? Get the inside scoop on what living in the Gem State is truly all about—not just the stats.
Choosing a more populous state often brings you more job options, a lively entertainment scene, and better infrastructure. In contrast, moving to a less crowded state usually means a quieter life and a closer-knit community.
Checking out average education levels gives you a sense of local job opportunities and how easy it is to find schools or colleges nearby. Meanwhile, a state’s political landscape reveals what values and priorities matter most to people living there.
Learning about the people, daily life, and values in Idaho can help you decide if it’s the right place for you to feel at home.
| Metric | Idaho |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,964,726 |
| Female | 49.7% |
| Male | 50.3% |
| College graduation rate | 30.72% |
| Political leaning | Republican 70-30 |
| Crime index | 11.68 |
Idaho weather
Weather plays a major role in daily life, so it’s smart to consider it when deciding if Idaho is right for you. Looking at seasonal temperatures and rainfall will help you plan outdoor activities, pick the right clothing, and stay prepared for whatever the forecast brings.
Scorching summer days can send your energy bills soaring and leave you cranking the AC around the clock. When winter rolls in, you’ll want a warm wardrobe and reliable heating to stay comfortable. And when snow falls, you might get anything from a gentle flurry to a heavy storm that throws your daily routine into chaos.
Curious about endless sunshine, refreshing cool breezes, or escaping snowy winters? Understanding Idaho’s climate is key to figuring out if it matches your vibe.
| Metric | Idaho |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 18″ |
| Annual snow | 47″ |
Income and cost of living in Idaho
A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Idaho.
For example, knowing which industries drive the economy can help you gauge job opportunities in your field or predict the stability of the job market. Whether you’re planning to rent or buy, housing costs are likely one of the biggest pieces of the financial puzzle for you when deciding if you should move.
The cost of living index ties it all together by showing how far your dollar will stretch compared to the national average. A lower index typically means everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and housing are more affordable.
These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Idaho and make a confident, informed decision about your move.
The main economic industries in the state include:
- Real estate and rental and leasing ($10.7 billion)
- Manufacturing ($8.6 billion)
- Professional and business services ($8 billion)
- Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($7 billion)
- Retail trade ($6 billion)
- Construction ($5.1 billion)
- Wholesale trade ($4.6 billion)
- Finance and insurance ($3.5 billion)
- Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($3.1 billion)
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting ($3.1 billion)
| Metric | Idaho |
|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,061 |
| Average home cost | $451,520 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,214 |
| Cost of living index* | 106 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.7% |
| Average sales tax | Not available |
| State income tax | 5.8% |
*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.
Top schools in Idaho
If education ranks high on your moving checklist, a state’s schools and universities can reveal a lot about local career opportunities and the overall community vibe.
If you’re thinking about heading back to school, have kids nearing graduation, or simply want to live somewhere with great educational opportunities, Idaho is definitely worth a look.
Here are some of the top schools in Idaho:
- University of Idaho
- Boise State University
- Brigham Young University-Idaho
- Idaho State University
- Northwest Nazarene University
- Lewis-Clark State College
- The College of Idaho
- Boise Bible College
Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Idaho
We sifted through 2,756 moving companies across the country, including 17 right here in Idaho, and teamed up with actual movers and people like you to find the very best in the business.
Planning a move to the Gem State? Take a look at the best moving companies that’ll make sure your belongings arrive safely, wherever you’re coming from.
- Alabama to ID
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Cost of moving to Idaho
Before making your move to Idaho, it’s smart to plan for the costs involved. On average, expect to spend around $136 per hour for professional movers. Your final price will vary based on the amount you’re moving and the distance—cross-state treks cost more than local relocations.
The way you move can have a major impact on your overall costs.
If you want to cut moving costs, check out one of the top moving container companies. You’ll get to pack and load your belongings whenever it works for you, while the company takes care of all the driving. It’s the perfect way to combine flexibility and savings—no need to go fully DIY or pay for an expensive full-service move.
Looking to cut costs? A moving truck rental is the cheapest route. You handle all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself.
Want to skip the stress of moving on your own? Professional interstate movers can handle everything for you. But remember, this level of convenience usually comes with a bigger price tag—so be sure to shop around and compare quotes to find the best fit for your budget and your move.
| Company | Quote | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Safeway Moving
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Mayzlin Relocation
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BLVD Moving
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PODS
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American Van Lines
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Cost to bring your car to Idaho
Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Idaho.
Idaho car insurance requirements
Idaho drivers license requirements
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