Idaho Local Expert
Chandi Lyn
“She adores arthropods, which explains why spiders get house tours instead of screams.”
See full bio
Making the Move from ID to Texas: The Honest Comparison
Trading mountain views and mild summers for wide open plains and relentless heat is a bigger adjustment than most people anticipate. Idaho and Texas share a reputation for affordability and a rugged independent spirit, but the two states could not feel more different once you are actually living in one versus the other. Idaho offers quiet cities, outdoor access right outside your door, and four distinct seasons, while Texas brings scorching temperatures, massive metro areas, and a cultural energy that is entirely its own. Our Snappy Scout team (Chandi & Francesca) dug into the costs, logistics, and lifestyle shifts you should expect before you start loading the truck.
Who's Behind This Guide
The Moving Truck Drive from Idaho to TX
Average distance
1,700miles
Typical route
Driving from Idaho to Texas typically takes you south through Utah and into the Southwest, connecting via I-84, I-84W to I-80, or more commonly south on I-15 through Utah, then picking up I-70 or US-6 eastward before heading south on I-25 or cutting across via US-54 and US-380 into Texas, or taking I-15 to I-10 through Arizona and New Mexico into El Paso.
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Boise, ID → Dallas, TX
~1750 miles
Boise, ID → Houston, TX
~1950 miles
Idaho Falls, ID → San Antonio, TX
~1800 miles
Pocatello, ID → Austin, TX
~1750 miles
Twin Falls, ID → El Paso, TX
~1300 miles
Should You Move From Idaho to Texas Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Texas from Idaho is the right call for your lifestyle and preferences.
Progress1 of 10 questions
Question 1 of 10
What kind of weather makes you happiest?
0/10answered
Live score
Collecting your answers and forming an opinion. Answer another question to see the results.
Your Honest Idaho to TX Moving Cost Breakdown
Moving 1,700 miles from Idaho to Texas will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $4,500.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$4,500.00
Expected Time
4–11days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,260.00
1 Bedroom
$1,860.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,070.00
3 Bedrooms
$4,450.00
4 Bedrooms
$6,400.00
5+ Bedrooms
$7,110.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,260.00 | 300 | $4.2 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,860.00 | 450 | $4.13 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,070.00 | 750 | $4.09 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,450.00 | 1,100 | $4.05 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,400.00 | 1,600 | $4 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,110.00 | 1,800 | $3.95 |
How we calculated these numbers: We reached out to the owners and operators of more than a dozen nationwide moving companies to figure out how they factor in mileage, weight, volume, timing, origin & termination locations, and approximate home sizes to determine a moving estimate. The results above are what the data nerds at Snappy Scout created based on that info.
What Type of Person Regrets It After Moving from Idaho to TX?
Well, it depends. If you're a Surfer Dude, Cowboy, or Foodie, you'll thrive in your move to Texas. But if you're more of a Retired Military, PTA President, or Coffee Snob, settling into your new home state may be a bit of a challenge. We scored a variety of different “personalities” on a 10-point scale to show you what to expect from a lifestyle perspective with a relocation from Idaho to Texas.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from ID to TX
Surfing
Idaho
3
/10
Texas
5.5
/10
Idaho
Giving up
Boise Whitewater Park waves, but Pacific barrels live far away
Texas
Gaining
South Padre waves are decent even if they never reach the heights of California curls
Recommended TX cities/areas for Surfer Dudes
South Padre Island
Idaho
3
/10
Texas
5.5
/10
Cowboys
Idaho
8
/10
Texas
9.5
/10
Idaho
Giving up
Snake River Stampede, county fairs, boot stores everywhere
Texas
Gaining
Fort Worth Stockyards rodeos and Amarillo’s Big Texan steak challenge
Recommended TX cities/areas for Cowboys
Fort WorthAmarillo
Idaho
8
/10
Texas
9.5
/10
Foodies
Idaho
8.5
/10
Texas
9
/10
Idaho
Giving up
Barbacoa Grill's table side flair, Fork's trout, Cedars Floating Restaurant
Texas
Gaining
Houston’s Viet Cajun crawfish, La Fonda on Main in San Antonio, and Franklin Barbecue’s legendary brisket
Recommended TX cities/areas for Foodies
Idaho
8.5
/10
Texas
9
/10
Military Culture
Idaho
8
/10
Texas
2
/10
Idaho
Giving up
Mountain Home AFB nearby, veteran networks, calm commutes
Texas
Gaining
Bases anchor life though cities sprawl without coastal charm
Recommended TX cities/areas for Retired Militaries
San AntonioKilleen
Idaho
8
/10
Texas
2
/10
PTA Life
Idaho
6
/10
Texas
2.5
/10
Idaho
Giving up
High school spirit, Friday nights, West Ada spreadsheets
Texas
Gaining
Top schools thrive but Texas football's Friday night lights always outshine bake sales
Recommended TX cities/areas for PTA Presidents
PlanoKaty
Idaho
6
/10
Texas
2.5
/10
Coffee Culture
Idaho
8
/10
Texas
5
/10
Idaho
Giving up
Dawson Taylor roasts, Push and Pour patios, latte art
Texas
Gaining
Austin’s Houndstooth Coffee aces traditional espresso, and Ascension Coffee in Dallas offers gourmet twists
Recommended TX cities/areas for Coffee Snobs
AustinDallas
Idaho
8
/10
Texas
5
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of Texas?
Summer thunderstorms in Texas are loud, powerful, and offer a welcome break from the heat.
– Francesca Hernandez-Singer
Texas Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Idaho and living in Texas
IdahoTexas
How the Local Food Culture Differs Between Idaho and TX
Eating Like a Local in Idaho
Many restaurants have Navajo tacos on the menu. It's a Western favorite and there's nothing special to ordering it — though you should ask what the spice level is if you're sensitive to that.
Chandi LynIdaho Local ExpertEating Like a Local in Texas
Breakfast tacos are on flour tortillas, BBQ means beef, and the margaritas come with salt on the rim unless you order without.
Francesca Hernandez-SingerLocal Texas ExpertFrom Idaho to TX: How Your Tax World Looks
Idaho
Texas
IdahovsTexas
State Income Tax
State Income TaxFlat 5.8% statewide, grocery tax credit helps offset food sales tax
None, zero percent statewide!!
Idaho
Flat 5.8% statewide, grocery tax credit helps offset food sales tax
VS
Texas
None, zero percent statewide!!
Property Taxes
Property TaxesAda and Kootenai higher with rapid growth, Eastern Idaho lower, homestead exemption helps
Houston and Dallas areas higher, smaller cities slightly lower
Idaho
Ada and Kootenai higher with rapid growth, Eastern Idaho lower, homestead exemption helps
VS
Texas
Houston and Dallas areas higher, smaller cities slightly lower
What Shifts About Values, Beliefs, & Politics When You Move to TX from Idaho
Idaho
Texas
IdahovsTexas
People
PeopleOutdoorsy, neighborly, generally welcoming, always willing to pitch in and help
Famously friendly, fiercely proud, big on hospitality
Idaho
Outdoorsy, neighborly, generally welcoming, always willing to pitch in and help
VS
Texas
Famously friendly, fiercely proud, big on hospitality
Politics
Deep red statewide, Boise city tilts blue, Moscow and Sun Valley are progressive pockets
Deep red roots, but cities (especially Austin) swing progressive
Idaho
Deep red statewide, Boise city tilts blue, Moscow and Sun Valley are progressive pockets
VS
Texas
Deep red roots, but cities (especially Austin) swing progressive
Religion
ReligionMostly Christian, strong LDS in eastern Idaho, evangelicals statewide, unaffiliated rising in Boise
Mostly Christian, strong Baptist presence, growing diversity
Idaho
Mostly Christian, strong LDS in eastern Idaho, evangelicals statewide, unaffiliated rising in Boise
VS
Texas
Mostly Christian, strong Baptist presence, growing diversity
The Honest Weather Reality: Idaho vs TX
SUMMER
Idaho
High desert broiler mode (triple digits in Treasure Valley, breezy at the lakes up north).
Texas
blast furnace (triple digits in West Texas)
WINTER
Idaho
Icebox roulette vibe (Idaho Falls and Rexburg bitter cold, Boise inversion gloom, Panhandle snow globe).
Texas
light sweater tease (except in the Panhandle, where you'll happily don long johns and fleece-lined outerlayers)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Texas
Outdoor music venues and food & wine festivals are still going strong in October!
Francesca Hernandez-SingerLocal Texas ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to Texas
By now, you're hopefully fully aware that at Snappy Scout, our moving guides aren't like the rest! Now that you've compared the aspects of leaving behind Idaho, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to Texas. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from Texas local experts.
Moving toAustin
Prep for Tacos, Traffic & Endless Live Music
