Mississippi Local Expert
Katherine Mines
“She’s a devoted Disney gal, happily enduring long lines, hot pavement, and goofy mouse ears.”
Read more about me
From Mississippi to Idaho: The Price Tag Most People Don't Expect
Swapping the humid lowlands of Mississippi for the rugged mountain terrain of Idaho is a bigger lifestyle leap than most people anticipate. The Deep South charm, mild winters, and tight-knit community culture of Mississippi give way to a state where elk outnumber traffic jams and the seasons hit with full force. The cost of living picture shifts in surprising ways too, and the distance means this is no casual weekend haul across a state line. Our Snappy Scout team (Katherine & Chandi) broke down the costs, logistics, and lifestyle changes you need to know before you start loading the truck.
Our Local Experts Guiding Your Move
The Drive from Mississippi to Idaho: What to Plan For
Average distance
1,950miles
Typical route
I-20 W, I-40 W, I-84 W
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Jackson, MS → Boise, ID
~1950 miles
Gulfport, MS → Boise, ID
~2000 miles
Biloxi, MS → Idaho Falls, ID
~2050 miles
Hattiesburg, MS → Pocatello, ID
~1950 miles
Tupelo, MS → Boise, ID
~1850 miles
Should You Move From Mississippi to Idaho Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Idaho from Mississippi 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.
How Much Do Reputable Movers Ask from Mississippi to Idaho?
Moving 1,950 miles from Mississippi to Idaho 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
$1,270.00
1 Bedroom
$1,870.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,080.00
3 Bedrooms
$4,460.00
4 Bedrooms
$6,410.00
5+ Bedrooms
$7,120.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,270.00 | 300 | $4.23 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,870.00 | 450 | $4.16 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,080.00 | 750 | $4.11 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,460.00 | 1,100 | $4.05 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,410.00 | 1,600 | $4.01 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,120.00 | 1,800 | $3.96 |
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.
Mississippi vs Idaho: Who Should Make the Move?
Well, it depends. If you're a Coffee Snob, Adventure Junkie, or Hipster, you'll thrive in your move to Idaho. But if you're more of a Stay at Home Mom, Retired Snowbird, or DIYer, 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 Mississippi to Idaho.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from MS to ID
Adventure Activities
Mississippi
7.5
/10
Idaho
9.5
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Sandstone bluffs, Clark Creek falls, Mississippi Gulf breezes.
Idaho
Gaining
Sawtooth trails, Brundage powder, Perrine Bridge jumps, South Fork of the Salmon River
Recommended ID cities/areas for Adventure Junkies
StanleyMcCallTwin Falls
Mississippi
7.5
/10
Idaho
9.5
/10
Coffee Culture
Mississippi
6.5
/10
Idaho
8
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Cups in Fondren, The Greenhouse, and Oxford coffee shops.
Idaho
Gaining
Dawson Taylor roasts, Push and Pour patios, latte art
Recommended ID cities/areas for Coffee Snobs
Mississippi
6.5
/10
Idaho
8
/10
Hipsters
Mississippi
6.5
/10
Idaho
8
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Square Books, Fondren murals, Bay St. Louis galleries.
Idaho
Gaining
Freak Alley murals, Treefort sets, thrift scores abound
Recommended ID cities/areas for Hipsters
Boise North EndMoscowGarden City
Mississippi
6.5
/10
Idaho
8
/10
Stay At Home Moms
Mississippi
8.5
/10
Idaho
6.5
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Top schools, Ross Barnett Reservoir parks, Saturday SEC fun.
Idaho
Gaining
Top-rated Meridian schools and safe neighborhoods
Recommended ID cities/areas for Stay at Home Moms
MeridianNampaEagle
Mississippi
8.5
/10
Idaho
6.5
/10
Snowbirds
Mississippi
6
/10
Idaho
4.5
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Mild winters, casino shows, Cruisin' The Coast season.
Idaho
Gaining
Enjoy summer perfection, but long winters chase many to Arizona
Recommended ID cities/areas for Retired Snowbirds
Mississippi
6
/10
Idaho
4.5
/10
DIYers
Mississippi
8.5
/10
Idaho
7.5
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Laurel's Home Town spirit, reclaimed heart pine everywhere.
Idaho
Gaining
D&B Supply aisles, ReStore finds, fixer dreams
Recommended ID cities/areas for DIYers
Mississippi
8.5
/10
Idaho
7.5
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of Idaho?
Ashton and Island Park area are where I call home. I know I'm here when I smell the fresh pines. In the Idaho Falls area, it's sage after a rain storm. And my pre-hike ritual always ends with grabbing bear spray on my way out the door.
– Chandi Lyn
Idaho Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Mississippi and living in Idaho
MississippiIdaho
What the Food Culture Looks Like in Mississippi vs Idaho
Eating Like a Local in Mississippi
When you're in Mississippi, it's essential that you "get in a pinch" and suck some guts out of a crawfish at least once. Wear a shirt you can get messy, and don't even think about donning one of those plastic bibs--the locals will definitely lose respect for you.
Katherine MinesMississippi Local ExpertEating 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 ExpertIs Idaho a Less Tax-Friendly State for Your Tax Return?
Mississippi
Idaho
MississippivsIdaho
State Income Tax
State Income TaxFlat 5% phasing toward 4% by 2026
Flat 5.8% statewide, grocery tax credit helps offset food sales tax
Mississippi
Flat 5% phasing toward 4% by 2026
VS
Idaho
Flat 5.8% statewide, grocery tax credit helps offset food sales tax
Property Taxes
Property TaxesJackson millage higher, Madison and Rankin moderate, Gulf Coast manageable, rural counties lower
Ada and Kootenai higher with rapid growth, Eastern Idaho lower, homestead exemption helps
Mississippi
Jackson millage higher, Madison and Rankin moderate, Gulf Coast manageable, rural counties lower
VS
Idaho
Ada and Kootenai higher with rapid growth, Eastern Idaho lower, homestead exemption helps
The Honest Values, Beliefs, & Politics Picture: Mississippi vs Idaho
Mississippi
Idaho
MississippivsIdaho
People
PeopleIn no hurry, deeply hospitable, church supper devotees, porch chat pros, generous to neighbors and newcomers alike
Outdoorsy, neighborly, generally welcoming, always willing to pitch in and help
Mississippi
In no hurry, deeply hospitable, church supper devotees, porch chat pros, generous to neighbors and newcomers alike
VS
Idaho
Outdoorsy, neighborly, generally welcoming, always willing to pitch in and help
Politics
Solidly conservative statewide, with blue pockets in Jackson, the Delta, Oxford, Starkville
Deep red statewide, Boise city tilts blue, Moscow and Sun Valley are progressive pockets
Mississippi
Solidly conservative statewide, with blue pockets in Jackson, the Delta, Oxford, Starkville
VS
Idaho
Deep red statewide, Boise city tilts blue, Moscow and Sun Valley are progressive pockets
Religion
ReligionMostly Protestant Baptist and nondenominational, strong Black churches, more Catholic and Pentecostal presence on Coast
Mostly Christian, strong LDS in eastern Idaho, evangelicals statewide, unaffiliated rising in Boise
Mississippi
Mostly Protestant Baptist and nondenominational, strong Black churches, more Catholic and Pentecostal presence on Coast
VS
Idaho
Mostly Christian, strong LDS in eastern Idaho, evangelicals statewide, unaffiliated rising in Boise
Leaving Mississippi Summers Behind: What Idaho Seasons Really Looks Like
SUMMER
Mississippi
swamp sauna deluxe (Delta sizzles, Biloxi breathes through a wet towel)
Idaho
High desert broiler mode (triple digits in Treasure Valley, breezy at the lakes up north).
WINTER
Mississippi
light-medium jacket weather, long pants optional (Tupelo gets surprise ice, the Coast freaks out when temps dip below 60)
Idaho
Icebox roulette vibe (Idaho Falls and Rexburg bitter cold, Boise inversion gloom, Panhandle snow globe).
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Idaho
WINTER — the views. The fresh snow covers everything and makes it feel magical. During particularly cold nights, I love to go outside and shine my flashlight on the trees and rocks. The whole world is covered in fairy dust.
SPRING — the crocus. They push up through the snow and offer color to the slushy.
SUMMER — the weather! It's perfect and beautiful.
FALL — bottling my harvest for the year. Fresh jams, peaches, salsa, and everything else! Also hunting. I love having a freezer full of elk.
Chandi LynIdaho Local ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to Idaho
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 Mississippi, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to Idaho. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from Idaho local experts.
Moving toBoise
Blue Turf Brags, Basque Bites, Built-In Bragging Rights
Moving toIdaho Falls
INL Tech By Day, Greenbelt Tacos By Night.
