Moving to Idaho: costs, checklist and what to know
Idaho at a glance for movers: West region · largest city Boise · capital Boise · Mountain in the south, Pacific in the northern panhandle time.
Quick facts for moving to Idaho
- Income tax: Idaho taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Idaho State Tax Commission for the current year.
- Sales tax: Idaho's statewide sales tax rate is 6%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Idaho driver's license within 30 days, according to the Idaho Transportation Department (through county offices).
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Los Angeles to Boise (about 800 road miles) runs roughly $1,220–$2,330 with a rental truck or $2,680–$6,180 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Idaho
- Northern Idaho (the panhandle) is on Pacific time, while the south, including Boise, is on Mountain time.
- Licenses are issued through county sheriff's offices, and vehicles are registered with your county's motor vehicle office.
- Boise and the Treasure Valley have grown fast, so expect competition for rentals.
Main cities and metros include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls. Idaho borders Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and Montana.
How much does it cost to move to Idaho?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Boise, the largest city in Idaho. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 2,580 | $3,650–$6,890 | $5,530–$12,590 |
| Los Angeles | 800 | $1,220–$2,330 | $2,680–$6,180 |
| Chicago | 1,740 | $2,490–$4,700 | $4,180–$9,560 |
| Dallas | 1,540 | $2,280–$4,330 | $3,860–$8,840 |
| Atlanta | 2,200 | $3,110–$5,870 | $4,920–$11,220 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Idaho moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Idaho
Late spring to early fall. Mountain passes on I-90 and US-95 can be snowy from November to April.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Idaho new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Idaho: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Idaho?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 800 miles from Los Angeles to Boise costs roughly $1,220–$2,330 if you rent a truck or $2,680–$6,180 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Idaho have a state income tax?
Yes. Idaho taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Idaho State Tax Commission for the current year.
What is the sales tax in Idaho?
Idaho's statewide sales tax rate is 6%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
How long do I have to get a Idaho driver's license after moving?
30 days, according to the Idaho Transportation Department (through county offices). Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Idaho?
Late spring to early fall. Mountain passes on I-90 and US-95 can be snowy from November to April.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Idaho State Tax Commission and the Idaho Transportation Department (through county offices), which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.