Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from St. Paul to Boise
What to know before moving from St. Paul to Boise
Moving from St. Paul to Boise comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Boise is generally more expensive than St. Paul, 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:
| St. Paul | Boise | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,350 | $1,495 |
| Average home value | $278,221 | $481,661 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,483 | $76,468 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,633 | $4,100 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,290 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 3.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.88% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 5.8% |
- Rent prices in Boise are 11% higher than in St. Paul, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in St. Paul.
Home prices in Boise are 73.1% higher than in St. Paul. - Income in Boise is 20.5% higher than in St. Paul, 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 12.9% higher than in St. Paul. 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 58.7% higher than in St. Paul.
- The unemployment rate in Boise is 26.53% lower than in St. Paul.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Boise, since the cityโs sales taxes in Boise are 39.27% lower than in St. Paul.
- One perk of moving to Boise is paying less in state income taxes, which are 41.12% lower than in St. Paul.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,385.63 in Boise to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in St. Paul.
How life is different in St. Paul vs. Boise
| Boise | St. Paul | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,684 | 303,176 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 88 | 60 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 64 |
| Crime Index | 34.99 | 50.86 |
| Safety Index | 65.01 | 49.14 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Boise's population is about 22% less than St. Paul.
- Boise's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus St. Paul's higher score of 8.
- Boise is more walkable than St. Paul with a score of 88 out of 100 vs St. Paul's 60 out of 100.
- With a score of 99 out of 100, Boise is more bike-friendly than St. Paul, which has a score of 64 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 St. Paul with a score of 34.99 compared to St. Paul's 50.86. This means that Boise neighborhoods are safer than 34.99% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86%.
- Boise is considered to be safer than St. Paul with a safety index of 65.01 vs St. Paul's 49.14.
- Air quality in Boise is good, and in St. Paul it's good.
Other things to consider for your St. Paul vs. Boise move
- Weather: Boise experiences hot and dry summers and winters are moderately cold.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Idaho moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Idaho doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Boise. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Boise
Ready to relocate to "City of Trees"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you've made the move to Idaho, itโs the perfect time to explore Boise. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Boise, such as 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 along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Boise Hawks (Pioneer League) and Idaho Steelheads (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Boise?
The best time to move from St. Paul to Boise is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in St. Paul.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Paul to Boise?
Because most people are moving from St. Paul 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 St. Paul to Boise take?
The 1,460-mile move from St. Paul, MN, to Boise, ID, takes three to eight days. Some St. Paul movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Boise.
