Best Movers From California to Idaho (2025 Cost Data)
When planning a move from California to Idaho, professional movers typically run between
$2,224 and $5,634, a moving container averages about
$2,050, and a rental truck is around
$963.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,175 — $5,634 Top local mover
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$1,175 — $7,795 Top long-distance mover
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$805 — $3,787 Top container company
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$602 — $1,597 Top truck rental
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$59 — $80/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
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Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from California to Idaho
After analyzing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team determined that 2,641 (83%) offer interstate services. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the field to the top providers equipped to handle your move from California to Idaho.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from California to Idaho
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
|
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 24, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 23, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 15, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 05, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 30, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 18, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 02, 2025
Studio apartment
Sep 21, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Sep 18, 2025
Studio apartment
Sep 08, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Idaho?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,175 – $4,390 | $805 – $1,788 | $602 – $1,173 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,224 – $5,634 | $1,348 – $2,752 | $626 – $1,301 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,752 – $7,795 | $1,908 – $3,787 | $832 – $1,597 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,175 – $4,390
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,224 – $5,634
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,752 – $7,795
How much do moving containers cost from California to Idaho?
- Small move: $805 – $1,788
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,348 – $2,752
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,908 – $3,787
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $602 – $1,173
- 2–3 bedrooms: $626 – $1,301
- 4+ bedrooms: $832 – $1,597
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 909-mile move from CA to ID using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
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 CA to ID?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Idaho | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $1,061 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $451,520 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $70,214 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 106 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.7% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 6.03% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.8% |
Will rent be more expensive in Idaho?
Rent is about 43% lower in Idaho than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $1,061
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 41% lower in Idaho than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $451,520
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 24% lower in Idaho than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $70,214
Is the overall cost of living higher in Idaho?
The cost of living is 21% lower in Idaho than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 106
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 31% lower in Idaho than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 6.03%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 56% lower in Idaho than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 5.8%
How is daily life different in Idaho compared to California?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| Idaho | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,964,726 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 70-30 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 18″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 47″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 11.68 | 28.43 |
Will Idaho feel more crowded than California?
Idaho is about 95% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Idaho voted Republican while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (85°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Idaho is colder on average (17°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Idaho?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (18″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Idaho gets more snow (47 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Idaho safer than California?
Idaho has a lower crime index than California (11.68 vs. 28.43), 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 California to Idaho move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- 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. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Idaho moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- 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: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance for free. 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: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Idaho?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
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?
Idaho does not require any moving permits.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires basic insurance for interstate moves. 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 California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Keep moving day simple with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
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