FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Idaho?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,165 – $4,301 | $1,040 – $2,489 | $946 – $1,781 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,703 – $6,194 | $1,785 – $3,673 | $1,045 – $2,098 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,381 – $9,052 | $2,483 – $5,065 | $1,328 – $2,539 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,165 – $4,301
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,703 – $6,194
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,381 – $9,052
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to Idaho?
- Small move: $1,040 – $2,489
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,785 – $3,673
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,483 – $5,065
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $946 – $1,781
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,045 – $2,098
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,328 – $2,539
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 1,643-mile move from IL to ID using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from IL to ID?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Illinois | Idaho | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,179 | $1,061 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $451,520 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $70,214 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 106 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 3.7% |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 6.03% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.8% |
Will rent be more expensive in Idaho?
Rent is about 10% lower in Idaho than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $1,061
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 81% higher in Idaho than in Illinois.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $451,520
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 10% lower in Idaho than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $70,214
Is the overall cost of living higher in Idaho?
The cost of living is 18% higher in Idaho than in Illinois.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 106
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 32% lower in Idaho than in Illinois.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 6.03%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 17% higher in Idaho than in Illinois.
State income tax: 4.95% vs. 5.8%
How is daily life different in Idaho compared to Illinois?
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing — it’s about how daily life will feel.
| Idaho | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,964,726 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 70-30 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 18″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 47″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 11.68 | 19.7 |
Will Idaho feel more crowded than Illinois?
Idaho is about 84% less populous than Illinois — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Idaho voted Republican while Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (85°F vs. 86°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (17°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Idaho?
Rain: Idaho gets less rain (18″ vs. 40″).
Snow: Idaho gets more snow (47 inches vs. 22 inches).
Is Idaho safer than Illinois?
Idaho has a lower crime index than Illinois (11.68 vs. 19.7), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Idaho?
Museums in Idaho
- Museum of Clean
- Warhawk Air Museum
- Museum of Idaho
- Legacy Flight Museum
- Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Education Center
Parks in Idaho
- Harriman State Park
- Sawtooth Wilderness Area
- Indian Creek Park
- McEuen Park
- Thousand Springs State Park
Sports teams in Idaho
- Idaho Steelheads (ECHL)
- Boise State Broncos (NCAA)
- Idaho State Bengals (NCAA)
- Idaho Vandals Big Sky (NCAA)
Universities in Idaho
- University of Idaho
- Boise State University
- Brigham Young University-Idaho
- Idaho State University
- Northwest Nazarene University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Idaho move
- HOA rules: Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
- 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 proper licensing before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a Idaho moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Idaho, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Idaho right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” free of charge. 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 ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Idaho?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Idaho?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Idaho moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Idaho?
You don’t need a moving permit in Idaho, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. 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.
Some movers in Illinois offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Helpful moving resources
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