Utah Local Expert
Ann Broadbent
“I have lived in Utah for nearly four decades, and never cease to be profoundly impacted by its incredible beauty.…”
Read more about me
UT to ID Relocation: What It Really Costs
Utah and Idaho share a border, a mountain backdrop, and a reputation for outdoor living, yet trading one for the other comes with more surprises than most movers anticipate. The shift from Salt Lake City's growing urban sprawl to Boise's mid-sized charm, or from Utah's ski resort culture to Idaho's quieter rural stretches, reshapes daily routines in ways that catch newcomers off guard. Our Snappy Scout team (Ann & Chandi) dug into the costs, logistics, and lifestyle changes worth knowing before you load up the first box.
Our Local Experts Guiding Your Move
The Moving Truck Drive from Utah to Idaho
Average distance
300miles
Typical route
Driving from Utah to Idaho typically takes you along I-15 N, which is the primary interstate connecting the two states, with some routes also utilizing I-84 W and US-30 depending on your origin and destination cities.
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Salt Lake City, UT → Boise, ID
~350 miles
Salt Lake City, UT → Idaho Falls, ID
~200 miles
Ogden, UT → Pocatello, ID
~150 miles
Provo, UT → Twin Falls, ID
~300 miles
Logan, UT → Pocatello, ID
~100 miles
Should You Move From Utah to Idaho Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Idaho from Utah 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.
What to Plan for Utah to Idaho Moving Prices
Moving 300 miles from Utah to Idaho will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $6,000.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$6,000.00
Expected Time
2–9days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,660.00
1 Bedroom
$2,460.00
2 Bedrooms
$4,060.00
3 Bedrooms
$5,890.00
4 Bedrooms
$8,490.00
5+ Bedrooms
$9,460.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,660.00 | 300 | $5.53 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,460.00 | 450 | $5.47 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,060.00 | 750 | $5.41 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,890.00 | 1,100 | $5.35 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $8,490.00 | 1,600 | $5.31 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $9,460.00 | 1,800 | $5.26 |
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.
Will Your Sensibilities Survive in Idaho?
Well, it depends. If you're a Craft Beer Fan, Dog Momma, or Retired Military, you'll thrive in your move to Idaho. But if you're more of a Tech Bro, PTA President, or Cowboy, 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 Utah to Idaho.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from UT to ID
Craft Beer Culture
Utah
6.5
/10
Idaho
9
/10
Utah
Giving up
Fisher, Kiitos taps, state store adventures, early last call, Strap Tank
Idaho
Gaining
Payette Brewing pints, Barbarian sours, Laughing Dog lakeside
Recommended ID cities/areas for Craft Beer Fans
Utah
6.5
/10
Idaho
9
/10
Pet Friendly
Utah
7
/10
Idaho
8.5
/10
Utah
Giving up
Tanner Park romps, Millcreek off leash days, Rail Trail, Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
Idaho
Gaining
Boise Greenbelt strolls, Tubbs Hill swims, off-leash bliss
Recommended ID cities/areas for Dog Mommas
Utah
7
/10
Idaho
8.5
/10
Military Culture
Utah
7
/10
Idaho
8
/10
Utah
Giving up
Hill Air Force Base neighbors, VA Salt Lake support, St. George VA Center.
Idaho
Gaining
Mountain Home AFB nearby, veteran networks, calm commutes
Recommended ID cities/areas for Retired Militaries
Mountain HomeMeridianPocatello
Utah
7
/10
Idaho
8
/10
Tech Scene
Utah
9
/10
Idaho
6.5
/10
Utah
Giving up
Silicon Slopes startups, VC meetups, near freeway offices.
Idaho
Gaining
Micron HQ, HP campus, scrappy startups over unicorns
Recommended ID cities/areas for Tech Bros
Utah
9
/10
Idaho
6.5
/10
PTA Life
Utah
8
/10
Idaho
6
/10
Utah
Giving up
Corner Canyon games, Farmington fundraisers, endless bake sale glory.
Idaho
Gaining
High school spirit, Friday nights, West Ada spreadsheets
Recommended ID cities/areas for PTA Presidents
Utah
8
/10
Idaho
6
/10
Cowboys
Utah
8.5
/10
Idaho
8
/10
Utah
Giving up
Ogden Pioneer Days, Heber rodeos, Uintah Basin ranch culture, Cross Hollow Arena, Dixie Roundup rodeo.
Idaho
Gaining
Snake River Stampede, county fairs, boot stores everywhere
Recommended ID cities/areas for Cowboys
Utah
8.5
/10
Idaho
8
/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 Utah and living in Idaho
UtahIdaho
The Eating Culture Between Utah and Idaho
Eating Like a Local in Utah
Steak, french fries with fry sauce.
Sweet Pork Burrito Supreme with rice and beans, sour cream and guacamole
Ann BroadbentUtah 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 ExpertWhat the Move to Idaho from Utah Means for Your Tax Return
Utah
Idaho
UtahvsIdaho
State Income Tax
State Income TaxFlat 4.55 percent statewide
Flat 5.8% statewide, grocery tax credit helps offset food sales tax
Utah
Flat 4.55 percent statewide
VS
Idaho
Flat 5.8% statewide, grocery tax credit helps offset food sales tax
Property Taxes
Property TaxesModerate effective rates, Salt Lake County higher, Park City pricier, rural counties lowest
Ada and Kootenai higher with rapid growth, Eastern Idaho lower, homestead exemption helps
Utah
Moderate effective rates, Salt Lake County higher, Park City pricier, rural counties lowest
VS
Idaho
Ada and Kootenai higher with rapid growth, Eastern Idaho lower, homestead exemption helps
How Utah and Idaho Compare on Values, Beliefs, & Politics
Utah
Idaho
UtahvsIdaho
People
PeopleFamously friendly, family centered, outdoorsy, earnest, neighbor helpful
Outdoorsy, neighborly, generally welcoming, always willing to pitch in and help
Utah
Famously friendly, family centered, outdoorsy, earnest, neighbor helpful
VS
Idaho
Outdoorsy, neighborly, generally welcoming, always willing to pitch in and help
Politics
Deep red statewide, Salt Lake City and Moab bluer, college towns lean progressive
Deep red statewide, Boise city tilts blue, Moscow and Sun Valley are progressive pockets
Utah
Deep red statewide, Salt Lake City and Moab bluer, college towns lean progressive
VS
Idaho
Deep red statewide, Boise city tilts blue, Moscow and Sun Valley are progressive pockets
Religion
ReligionPredominantly LDS, then other Christians, rising unaffiliated, small Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist communities
Mostly Christian, strong LDS in eastern Idaho, evangelicals statewide, unaffiliated rising in Boise
Utah
Predominantly LDS, then other Christians, rising unaffiliated, small Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist communities
VS
Idaho
Mostly Christian, strong LDS in eastern Idaho, evangelicals statewide, unaffiliated rising in Boise
Weather in Utah vs Idaho: A Local's Honest View
SUMMER
Utah
Red rock broiler mode (triple digits in St. George, asphalt shimmer in Moab), cool mornings and evenings in northern climbs.
Idaho
High desert broiler mode (triple digits in Treasure Valley, breezy at the lakes up north).
WINTER
Utah
Mountain freezer (wear that puffy coat along with hat & gloves (Wasatch nights bite, St. George keeps golfing).
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 Utah, 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.
