Plan on moving to Idaho? You’re not alone! An estimated 81,708 people moved to the Gem State last year, making it one of the top 10 states for relocation. With this growth, Idaho’s population has hit 1.9 million in 2024.
Idaho hosts 4 Fortune 500 companies —like Albertsons and Boise Cascade—and has a strong job market. Living costs are also lower in the Gem State, at an average of $2,967 per month. Additionally, the state’s pleasant climate appeals to potential movers too.
3 Reasons to Move to Idaho
Idaho is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to ID:
| # | Reasons to Move to ID | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Idaho is 6% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Gem State aims to add 120,939 new jobs by 2032 across different sectors. |
| 3. | Safety Index | Idaho ranks #3 in public safety in the US. |
1. Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Idaho is 6% lower than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Idaho’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Boise | $520,000 | $1,387 | $67.9 | $140.8 | $579 |
| Idaho Falls | $375,000 | $1,192 | $44.2 | $158.34 | $521 |
| Twin Falls | $365,000 | $1,222 | $45.2 | $140.8 | $479 |
| Pocatello | $334,900 | $1,288 | $43.1 | $170.52 | $524 |
2. Employment Opportunities
Idaho’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Gem State aims to add 120,939 new jobs by the end of 2032.
- Health Care and Social Assistance: This sector is projected to add roughly 25,543 jobs by 2032. Positions like registered nurses, medical assistants, and home health aides are in high demand. Major employers include St. Luke’s Health System and Saint Alphonsus Health System.
- Construction: This sector in ID is expected to add 16,463 new jobs, focusing on roles such as construction laborers, electricians, and HVAC technicians. Key employers include regional firms like McAlvain Companies and Knife River Corporation.
- Leisure and Hospitality: This sector is projected to add around 12,481 new jobs. Key roles include positions in food service, hotel management, and recreation services. Sun Valley Resort and Tamarack Resort are the leading employers in the state.
- Manufacturing: Idaho’s manufacturing sector, particularly in food and electronics, is expected to add approximately 10,937 jobs. Key employers include J.R. Simplot Company and Lamb Weston in food processing, as well as JST Manufacturing in electronics manufacturing.
3. High Safety Index
Idaho ranks #3 in public safety. The state’s violent crime rate is 2.63 incidents per 1,000 people, lower than the national average of around 4 per 1,000.
Idaho’s murder rate is 71% below the national average. Rexburg, Middleton, and Rathdrum are some of the safest cities in Idaho.
Cost of Moving to Idaho 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to ID:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $373 to $3,527
Moving to Idaho involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Idaho moving company typically costs $108 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Idaho.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $300 to $400 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Idaho.
- When relocating to Idaho, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in ID is around $367.87/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Idaho. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in ID ranges from $45 to $69. A standard title fee is $14.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Gem State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Boise, Pocatello, and Twin Falls, the average rent ranges between $1,000 and $`00.
- However, if you’re looking to buy a house in Idaho, home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Idaho in your budget. Popular neighborhoods like Sandpoint have a median home price of $667K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in small cities like Burley is $321K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Idaho ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to ID, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Idaho neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
