What To Know When Moving to Idaho: A Practical Guide
What to Know When Moving to Idaho: A Practical Guide
Consistently ranked as one of the best states to live in, Idaho continues to attract families, retirees, and remote workers with its low taxes, affordable cost of living, and stunning outdoor access.
With a 0.5% median property tax rate (one of the lowest in the country), and one of the highest homeownership rates, it’s easy to see why more people are planting roots here.
But like any big change, relocating can come with tradeoffs. From wildfire risks to limited services in rural areas, there are important factors to weigh before you pack your bags.
This guide breaks down the key things you need to consider: the good, the challenging, and everything in between so you can make a confident, informed decision.
1. Cost of Living
Idaho is typically seen as an affordable state, ranking around the middle nationally. But actual costs can vary widely depending on where you live.
Key facts:
- Overall cost of living: About 11% higher than the national average
- Housing: Typically 10% below the national average
- Utilities: Around 20% lower than the national average
- Groceries and healthcare: Roughly 1% above national average
- Goods and services (e.g., grooming, entertainment): Up to 41% higher in some areas
- Typical annual personal expenses: Around $39,700 annually or $3,300/month
Housing and rent:
- Median rent: $1,383/month (vs. national median of $1,639)
- Median home value: Varies significantly by area but around $429,600 statewide
Other essentials:
- Gas (as of August 2025): $3.51/gallon
- Groceries: About $257/week for a typical household
- Employer-sponsored health insurance: About $1,186/year in employee contributions
City snapshot:
- Most expensive: Twin Falls (cost of living is about 5% higher than the national average)
- Most affordable: Idaho Falls (up to 17% below the national average)
If you’re thinking about a move, understanding local costs is key to making sure Idaho fits your financial goals. We’d be happy to help you explore how your budget aligns with the real cost of living here.
2. Education
For those moving to Idaho with kids, let’s take a look at how local education may impact your family’s routine and long-term goals.
With test scores, graduation rates, and extracurricular offerings varying widely across Idaho, reviewing local school report cards can be helpful in guiding where you choose to live. Keep in mind that it’s also not unusual for school districts in rural areas to operate on a 4-day week, giving students Fridays off.
Idaho is one of 12 states without a public Pre-K program, which can increase childcare costs for families with children under age 5. The state also has a lower preschool enrollment, with only 47% of 3-5-year-olds enrolled in early education programs, compared to 61% nationally. In addition, the high school graduation rate clocks in at about 80%, which is below the national average of 86%.
While Idaho offers many family-friendly communities, education quality and access can vary significantly by district. It’s worth doing extra research if public education is a top priority for your move.
3. Healthcare
Idaho offers high-quality healthcare at relatively low costs, but access to care, especially in rural areas, can be a challenge.
According to WalletHub’s Best and Worst States for Health Care 2025, Idaho ranks #17 for states with the best health care systems.
Four hospitals in Idaho earned a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):
- Boise VA Medical Center
- Idaho Falls Community Hospital
- St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls
- West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell
Nationally, only 10% of hospitals received this rating, making Idaho’s high performing healthcare centers stand out.
When it comes to healthcare access in rural areas, Idaho ranks #50 for fewest hospital beds per capita. Many rural counties lack access to OB/GYNs, specialists, or even primary care. And in serious cases, residents may need to travel to Salt Lake City or Seattle for advanced care.
When it comes to healthcare costs, Idaho has the 2nd lowest average monthly premiums in the US.
The average employee contribution of employer-sponsored health insurance in Idaho is $1,186 per year, while employers cover the remaining $6,213 out of the $7,400 annual premium. By comparison, the national average employee contribution is $1,640 out of a total premium of $8,182.
4. Climate & Natural Risk
Idaho’s climate offers four distinct seasons and beautiful scenery, but it also comes with seasonable challenges like harsh winters and wildfire risks. Understanding the regional differences is important when choosing where to live.
In northern Idaho (Panhandle), winters are cold and heavy on snow, meaning icy roads, closures, and hazardous driving.
Southern Idaho has milder winters, though snow and ice are still common. Roads are generally better maintained, especially near urban areas.
In the warmer months, wildfires are a recurring risk. Idaho consistently ranks among the top states for wildfire exposure.
Fire reason (typically June to September) can bring poor air quality, smoke advisories, and evacuation alerts in some areas. Rural or forested areas face the highest risk, especially near dry terrain or dense vegetation.
Some regions experience seasonal drought or variable water availability, which can affect landscaping, well water, and even agriculture.
Idaho offers incredible natural beauty, but climate conditions and natural risks vary widely. A little research can go a long way in helping you choose a safe, comfortable place to live. To avoid unwanted surprised when moving to Idaho, we recommend:
- Review historical snowfall and climate trends in your target area
- Check wildfire risk maps and burn history (especially for rural properties)
- Consider elevation which impacts both snow levels and fire exposure
5. Taxes & Financial Outlook
Idaho is generally considered a tax-friendly state, especially for retirees and middle-income earners. Here’s what to know:
Income and Retirement Taxes
- Flat income tax rate: 5.8% for all individual taxpayers (as of 2025)
- No tax on Social Security benefits
- 401(k) and IRA distributions are taxable
- Some military and government pensions may qualify for partial exemptions
Sales Tax
- State sales tax rate: 6.0%
- Average combined state and local rate: 6.03%
- What’s taxable:
- Groceries: Yes
- Clothing: Yes
- Prescription medications: No
Property Tax
- Effective property tax rate: About 0.47% on owner-occupied homes (well below the national average)
- Tax relief available for qualifying seniors and low-income residents
Other taxes
- Alcohol and tobacco taxes are lower than in many other states
- No estate or inheritance taxes
Idaho offers a stable, low-tax environment with notable benefits for retirees, homeowners, and small businesses. It’s smart to factor these advantages into your long-term financial planning.
Thinking of retiring in North Idaho? Our full guide covers what you need to know before making the move: A Practical Guide
6. Job Market & Economy
Idaho’s economy is generally strong and continues to grow, with unemployment typically sitting below the national average.
As of July 2025, the statewide unemployment rate was 3.7%, holding steady from the previous year. Across counties, unemployment rates ranged from 2.1% to 5.5%, with the lowest figures found in more urban areas like Boise, Meridian, and Coeur d’Alene, where job opportunities tend to be more concentrated.
The state has seen impressive income growth in recent years, leading the nation with a 15.5% increase in median household income from 2019 to 2023.
However, despite that growth, Idaho’s median household income remains slightly below the national average, with recent estimates around $74,800 compared to approximately $80,610 nationwide.
High-growth industries that have helped fuel Idaho’s economic momentum include technology, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, particularly near urban centers. However, in rural counties, employment tends to lag in both job variety and compensation. If you're planning to relocate to a more remote area, it's important to factor in potential limitations in local job markets.
7. Crime & Safety
Idaho consistently ranks as one of the safest states in the US, with crime rates well below national averages.
As of recent data, Idaho has the lowest property crime rate in the country and the 13th lowest violent crime rate. The state reports approximately 207 violent crime incidents per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of around 379 per 100,000.
In smaller towns and rural areas, community ties often contribute to a greater sense of security and trust among neighbors.
So, whether you’re raising a family or simply looking for a quieter place to call home, Idaho’s emphasis on public safety and its relatively low crime rates are a meaningful part of its appeal.
8. Transportation & Infrastructure
Idaho ranks well nationally for road quality and traffic flow, with some of the lowest levels of congestion on urban interstates and the third-smallest share of major roads in poor or mediocre condition.
These factors contribute to shorter-than-average commute times, especially compared to more densely populated states.
However, in more remote or rural areas, daily travel can be a different story.
Commutes and errands may involve long drives, often 30 to 60 minutes or more, and vehicle ownership is essential. Public transportation is limited outside of metro areas, and even in larger cities like Boise, options are modest.
While the roads are typically well maintained, especially in winter, driving in snow and over mountain passes is a regular part of life in many regions.
Idaho’s relative geographic isolation is also worth noting. The nearest major city, Salt Lake City, is about a five-hour drive from Boise, with Portland roughly six and a half hours away. Many residents appreciate this separation and the slower pace it brings, but it’s an important factor to weigh depending on your lifestyle or travel needs.
When planning your move, be sure to factor in the cost of vehicle ownership, fuel, maintenance, and snow travel gear. It’s also wise to consider proximity to major highways, airports, and essential services like hospitals.
9. Lifestyle & Outdoor Life
Idaho’s natural beauty is a major draw for newcomers, offering year-round access to outdoor recreation across its vast and varied landscapes.
With over 80% of the land publicly owned, residents have unparalleled access to hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, and camping. The state is also home to more than 100,000 miles of rivers (more than any other state) making it a haven for water sports like kayaking, rafting, and fly fishing.
For winter enthusiasts, Idaho features 18 ski resorts, offering excellent opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports.
In smaller towns, nightlife, dining options, and cultural amenities may be limited, and it's common for businesses to close earlier than what you might be used to in bigger metro areas. While this lifestyle appeals to many seeking simplicity and space, it can take some adjustment depending on where you're relocating from.
Conclusion
Idaho offers a compelling blend of affordability, safety, and year-round access to the great outdoors, making it an attractive option for many looking to relocate.
That being said, it’s important to be mindful of some challenges, including limited healthcare access in rural areas, varying school quality, and long distances between cities and services.
Ultimately, the key is finding the right region that aligns with your lifestyle, goals, and priorities. With thoughtful planning, Idaho could be the perfect place to start your next chapter, and we’d be glad to help you make it feel like home.
At Alpha 3 Wealth Management, we’ve proudly served families in Idaho and across the US for over 35 years, delivering personalized retirement planning, wealth management, and tax-efficient strategies designed to build financial confidence and protect your future.