Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Mesa to Boise
What to know before moving from Mesa to Boise
Moving from Mesa to Boise comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Boise is generally more expensive than Mesa, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Mesa | Boise | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,786 | $1,495 |
| Average home value | $432,892 | $481,661 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,524 | $76,468 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,416 | $4,100 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,566 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.1% | 3.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.3% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 5.8% |
- Rent prices in Boise are 16% lower than in Mesa, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Mesa.
Home prices in Boise are 11.3% higher than in Mesa. - Income in Boise is 18.5% higher than in Mesa, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Boise include Albertsons, Albertsons Companies, and Micron Technology.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Boise, since the cost of living for a single person in Boise is 69.7% higher than in Mesa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Boise, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boise is 22.3% higher than in Mesa.
- The unemployment rate in Boise is 40.98% lower than in Mesa.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Boise, since the cityโs sales taxes in Boise are 27.71% lower than in Mesa.
- State income taxes in Boise are 132.00% higher than in Mesa.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,091.06 in Boise to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Mesa.
How life is different in Mesa vs. Boise
| Boise | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,684 | 504,258 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 88 | 38 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 60 |
| Crime Index | 34.99 | 44.67 |
| Safety Index | 65.01 | 55.33 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Boise's population is about 53% less than Mesa.
- Boise's public transportation has a similar score to Mesa.
- Boise is more walkable than Mesa with a score of 88 out of 100 vs Mesa's 38 out of 100.
- With a score of 99 out of 100, Boise is more bike-friendly than Mesa, which has a score of 60 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Boise's crime rate is lower than Mesa with a score of 34.99 compared to Mesa's 44.67. This means that Boise neighborhoods are safer than 34.99% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Mesa neighborhoods are safer than 44.67%.
- Boise is considered to be safer than Mesa with a safety index of 65.01 vs Mesa's 55.33.
- Air quality in Boise is good, and in Mesa it's good.
Other things to consider for your Mesa vs. Boise move
- Weather: Boise experiences hot and dry summers and winters are moderately cold.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
- 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 forwarded to Boise. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Boise
Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Trees", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Boise.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central Bench
- Downtown Boise
- East End
- North End
- Southeast Boise
Best neighborhoods for families
- Collister
- Depot Bench
- North End
- Southwest Ada
- West Valley
Things to do in Boise
Once youโre settled into your new home in Idaho, itโs time to get out and discover what Boise has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Boise features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Idaho State Museum, Boise Art Glass, Basque Museum & Cultural Center, Discovery Center of Idaho, and Boise Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Camel's Back Park, Kathryn Albertson Park, Julia Davis Park, and Barber Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Boise Hawks (Pioneer League) and Idaho Steelheads (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Mesa to Boise?
The best time to move from Mesa to Boise is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Mesa.
When is the cheapest time to move from Mesa to Boise?
Because most people are moving from Mesa to Boise in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Mesa to Boise take?
The 941-mile move from Mesa, AZ, to Boise, ID, takes two to seven days. Some Mesa movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Boise.
