Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to IDtoggle

There are many factors that influence Iowa moving costs. The cost to move from Iowa 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 Iowa 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.

What to know before moving from IA to ID

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

Cost of living: Iowa vs. Idaho

Iowa Idaho
Average rent cost $914 $1,061
Average home cost $220,277 $451,520
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $70,214
Cost of Living Index 89 106
Unemployment rate 3.0% 3.7%
Average Sales Tax 6.94% 6.03%
State Income Tax 4.4% 5.8%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 16% more expensive in Idaho than in Iowa.
  • Home prices are about 105% higher in Idaho than in Iowa.
  • The average income is about the same in Idaho and Iowa.
  • Cost of living is 19% lower in Idaho than in Iowa.
  • Idaho has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 23%.
  • Sales taxes are 13% lower in Idaho than in Iowa.
  • Income taxes are 32% higher in Idaho than in Iowa.

How life is different in Idaho vs. Iowa

Idaho Iowa
Population 1,964,726 3,207,004
Political leaning Republican 70-30 Republican 53-45
Summer high 85ºF 84ºF
Winter low 17ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 18" 35"
Annual snow 47" 30"
Crime index 11.68 16.18
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of Idaho is approximately 39% lower than the population of Iowa.
  • In the last presidential election, Idaho voted Republican and Iowa voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Idaho is 85ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Idaho reaches the temperature of 17ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
  • You can expect about 18 inches of annual rainfall in Idaho versus 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
  • In Idaho, it snows about 47 inches annually versus 30 inches of snow in Iowa.
  • Idaho has a lower crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 11.68 vs. 16.18.

Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Idaho

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Idaho compared to Iowa.

Pros of living in Iowa Pros of living in Idaho
Low cost of living Ample economic opportunity
Ample economic opportunity Low cost of living
High quality of education High quality of life
No traffic Beautiful landscapes
Beautiful outdoors Bountiful recreational opportunities

Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Idaho

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Iowa for Idaho.

Cons of living in Iowa Cons of living in Idaho
Severe weather conditions Low diversity
Limited recreational opportunities Harsh winters
High taxes Political dominance
High emphasis on politics Isolation
Rustic food Competitive housing

Other things to consider for your Iowa to Idaho movetoggle

  • 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Idaho. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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.

Things to do in Idahotoggle

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

  • 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
  • Sawtooth National Recreation Area
  • Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site
  • Lava Hot Springs
  • Silverwood Theme Park
  • Boise River Greenbelt
  • Idaho Botanical Garden
  • City of Rocks National Reserve
  • Yellowstone Bear World
  • Zoo Boise
  • Idaho Potato Museum & Potato Station Café
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Idaho?toggle

Hiring a full-service Iowa moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Idaho?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Iowa to Idaho separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Idaho?toggle

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

Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Idaho?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in Idaho. Housing is much more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 14% less and home prices 51% lower than in Idaho. Taxes are also lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Idaho residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Idaho?toggle

You should make approximately $87,577 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Idaho. The cost of living in Idaho is approximately $4,038 per month for an individual and $7,555 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Idaho you live For example, larger cities like Boise and Meridian will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources

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Popular Iowa routes

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