I moved from San Diego to the Treasure Valley and run a relocation-focused real estate business here in Boise. If you're thinking about moving to Idaho from California, this guide is written for you. In this article I’ll walk through the top 11 differences I wish I had known before I moved, explain practical implications, and give clear advice so you can decide whether Idaho is the right fit for you and your family.
Table of Contents
- Intro: Why I Made This Video (and This Article)
- Differences Between California and Idaho When Moving to Idaho
- Practical Tips for People Moving to Idaho from California
- Conclusion: Is Moving to Idaho from California Right for You?
- FAQs About Moving to Idaho from California
Intro: Why I Made This Video (and This Article)
I left San Diego and moved my family to Idaho for a variety of reasons—cost, culture, and a desire for a different pace of life. I work with hundreds of people every year who are moving to Idaho from California, so I get asked the same questions over and over. This article captures those answers in detail: real numbers, lived experience, and specific practical tips so you can plan your move with confidence.
EXPLORE BOISE IDAHO COMMUNITIES
Differences Between California and Idaho When Moving to Idaho
1) Population and Density: A Different Scale, But Growing Fast
When you’re moving to Idaho from California you'll immediately notice the difference in population density. Boise proper has roughly 235,000 residents, while the broader Treasure Valley (depending on the estimate you read) is now somewhere between 800,000 and 900,000 people. The whole state of Idaho is approaching 2 million people.
Contrast that with San Diego County’s 3.3 million people and the greater LA/Orange County metro which has well over 18 million. The difference in scale is obvious: fewer people, more open sky, and a generally more spread-out feeling. That said, the Treasure Valley is growing quickly — suburbs like Meridian and Nampa have seen dramatic population gains in recent years.
If you’re moving to Idaho from California and want a less crowded environment, you'll probably feel relieved — but expect continued growth and development around the major nodes.
2) Traffic: It’s Getting Busier, But Not LA Busy
Traffic used to be a minor issue in the Treasure Valley. As more people move here, it’s become a meaningful factor to consider. Boise ranks around #25 for the worst traffic areas in the U.S., which sounds alarming until you put it next to Los Angeles (#1), San Francisco, or San Diego (#12). There’s a big difference between commuting frustrations here and the epic traffic challenges of Southern California.
Key projects to watch: Highway 16 (linking I-84 up toward Emmett) will help divert a lot of Meridian/Star traffic off surface streets. Road construction and capacity upgrades are ongoing, but they rarely move as fast as demand.
If you're moving to Idaho from California and are used to long freeway commutes, you may actually enjoy commutes here — but if you expect zero traffic, be prepared for congestion during peak hours and growing pains in rapidly expanding suburbs.
3) Cost of Living & Housing: Where You Save The Most
One of the biggest motivators for people moving to Idaho from California is cost. Median household income in the Boise area sits around $81,000–$84,000 (2025), with average household income closer to $116,000. Wages are decent, if not California-high. But housing and daily expenses are where the savings really show up.
Median home price across Ada and Canyon counties is roughly $475,000. In Canyon County (Nampa, Caldwell, Middleton) medians are closer to $400,000; in Ada County (Boise, Meridian, Eagle) medians climb nearer to $600,000. Compare that to Southern California median prices of $1M+ and San Francisco’s $1.3M average — the difference is huge.
Renters and buyers moving to Idaho from California often get more home for their money: 2,000–3,000 sq ft houses at price points where in California you might get a much smaller home. That translates to savings on daily expenses (utilities, groceries) and often better lifestyle options — yards, space for hobbies, and room for kids.
Property Taxes and Insurance
Property tax rates here are generally lower than California. Expect something in the range of 0.4%–1% of assessed value, and Idaho offers a $125,000 homeowner exemption that reduces the taxable base for your primary residence. Typical annual property tax bills range from roughly $1,500–$4,000 for many homes (versus $12,000+ on some California properties).
Homeowners insurance tends to be reasonable: starter homes might be $500/year, while higher-end homes range toward $1,500–$2,000. Wildfire insurance is less of a systemic problem here than in parts of California, though fires do occur. Flood insurance is something to watch if you're near the Boise River or in a mapped floodplain.
Tip: If an insurer quotes high flood premiums, check subdivision elevations and ask builders for certifications; sometimes homes were raised above floodplain and you can remove that extra cost.
4) Utilities: Watch Irrigation vs Domestic Water
Monthly gas & electric averages are typically in the $100–$200 range combined. I personally run between $150–$250 depending on season and appliances — a hot tub and infrared sauna will raise your bill. Gas tends to spike in winter, while electric is higher in summer.
Water is where you can see surprising variability. If your yard is on canal irrigation water, irrigation costs can be minimal — I pay roughly $170 per year for unlimited irrigation water. But if you're on domestic city water and you're watering a green lawn all summer, costs can become high. I've heard stories of people paying $400/month in summer to keep lawns green. Always check whether a property uses irrigation water or domestic water — it matters.
5) Crime & Safety: Boise and the Suburbs Tend to Be Safer
Overall, Boise and many Treasure Valley suburbs score well on safety metrics compared to major U.S. cities. Violent crime in Boise ranges from about 2.2–2.7 per 1,000 people, significantly lower than many large metros. Property crime is around 12–20 per 10,000 people, but context matters — when you move to Idaho from California you’ll likely notice fewer violent incidents and generally strong suburban safety ratings.
Meridian, Eagle, and Star frequently rank high on safety scales. Nampa and Caldwell sometimes get a reputation for being less safe, but when you compare numbers to major cities they still trend safer. Of course neighborhoods vary block-by-block; consult local crime maps and niche.com ratings when evaluating specific subdivisions.
6) Taxes: Idaho vs California
If you're moving to Idaho from California, taxes are often a top reason for the move. Here’s the short summary:
- Property tax:~0.4%–1% with a $125,000 homeowner exemption (paid annually)
- Income tax: Flat 5.8% statewide
- Sales tax: Roughly 6% in Boise area (groceries are taxed)
Compare that to California, where state income tax is progressive up to 13.3% for high earners, property taxes essentially start around 1% with Prop 13 protections (but property bills can be high), and local sales taxes often push combined rates into the 8–10% range. For many people, moving to Idaho from California means more predictable and often lower overall tax burden, especially for middle- and upper-middle-class households.
7) Political & Cultural Differences: Expect a Conservative Bend
One of the most emotionally charged differences when moving to Idaho from California is political and cultural climate. Idaho leans conservative and many people move here specifically for that reason. Boise is a blue island in an otherwise red state — the city has its own progressive culture and initiatives, but the broader state is conservative.
You’ll see bumper stickers like “Don’t California my Idaho” and a lot of local discussion around preserving Idaho’s character. That said, people with different political views live here peacefully. But if you’re moving to Idaho from California and you expect the same cultural vibe you left behind, be ready for different community priorities on public policy, school boards, and local events.
8) Gun Culture & Hunting: Realities to Know
Idaho is a constitutional carry state. People can open-carry or conceal-carry without a permit. Lots of residents own firearms; hunting culture is strong and seasonal. You won’t necessarily see people openly carrying every day, but concealed carry is common, and many households keep firearms for protection and hunting.
If you enjoy the outdoors, this can be a pro — easy access to hunting and abundant public lands. If you don’t like hunting, be mindful of seasons and signage. Hunters have legal rights to many areas, and common courtesy and safety (wearing bright colors while hiking during hunting season, checking maps) are essential.
9) Small Business Climate: Easy to Start — Vet Contractors Carefully
Idaho is very friendly to small businesses. Forming an LLC or registering a business is affordable and straightforward — often a one-time fee around $100–$150 depending on processing speed. Contractors can obtain permits and licenses for modest fees (around $50 for a contractor license, with insurance requirements). This low-barrier environment is great for entrepreneurs and people moving to Idaho from California who want to start a business.
The trade-off: lower licensing requirements mean you should vet contractors carefully. Check insurance, references, and portfolios. In California, contractor licensing is stricter — a benefit for consumers; in Idaho, do your homework before hiring.
10) Weather: Four Full Seasons (and Unpredictability)
Idaho delivers four distinct seasons. Winters can dip into single digits at night (commonly teens or 20s), with daytime temps in the 30s–40s. Average annual snowfall around 19 inches — but some years it’s much heavier. Spring warms through the day but can remain chilly in the morning. Summers reach 80s to low 100s and are a great excuse to get on the Boise River or head for nearby lakes. Fall is colorful and family-friendly with harvest and farm events.
If you’re moving to Idaho from California, especially from coastal Southern California, expect a wider temperature range and real winter needs: snow removal, cold-weather gear, and some seasonal changes in driving conditions. But the trade-off is what many people call a more “authentic” seasonal experience: white winters, colorful falls, and hot, dry summers perfect for outdoor recreation.
11) Who Idaho Is For — And Who Might Struggle
Idaho is a great fit if you value:
- Affordability compared to coastal California
- Safer neighborhoods and strong suburban options
- Conservative-leaning community values
- Outdoor lifestyle with easy access to rivers, trails, and public lands
- A small-town or slower pace compared to major metros
Idaho may be less ideal if you:
- Crave big-city amenities and a dense urban cultural scene
- Can’t tolerate true winter cold or hot summer afternoons
- Prefer progressive city policies and a coastal climate
- Need very high local wages that match coastal metro markets
In short: if you’re moving to Idaho from California because you want more space, lower daily costs, and a community aligned with conservative values — Idaho may be exactly what you’re looking for. If the reverse is true, you may want to consider whether a smaller city and longer winters and hot summers fit your lifestyle.
Practical Tips for People Moving to Idaho from California
- Visit in multiple seasons before you move — experience summer heat and winter cold.
- Check water type for yards (irrigation vs domestic) to estimate summer water bills.
- Run neighborhood crime checks on niche.com and local crime maps for specific blocks.
- Ask builders for floodplain certificates if a flood insurance quote seems high.
- Vet contractors thoroughly; low licensing thresholds mean more responsibility for the homeowner.
- Understand local politics and school district priorities if that matters to you.
- Factor in vehicle needs for winter: snow tires, four-wheel drive considerations.
Conclusion: Is Moving to Idaho from California Right for You?
Moving to Idaho from California is a big decision and for many people it’s life-changing in a positive way: lower housing costs (or more home for the same price), strong safety ratings, business-friendliness, and a slower pace with easy outdoor access. For others, the political culture, seasonal weather, or growing traffic in the Treasure Valley can be drawbacks.
My approach is practical: visit, research, and ask questions. If you want help evaluating neighborhoods, running numbers, or creating a relocation roadmap, I work with people every day who are moving to Idaho from California and I can guide you through the process. If your priorities match the strengths of the Treasure Valley, this area can be a fantastic place to raise a family and enjoy wide-open spaces while staying connected to an active community.
Reach out to me at (208)-510-0427
FAQs About Moving to Idaho from California
How much will I save on housing by moving to Idaho from California?
It depends on where you live now. On average, people moving to Idaho from California can expect median home prices to be 30–50% lower than places like Los Angeles or San Francisco. You’ll typically get more square footage, a yard, and lower property taxes. Specific savings vary by city and the current market conditions.
Do I need a permit to carry a gun in Idaho?
Idaho is a constitutional carry state — you can open or conceal carry without a permit. You can still obtain a concealed carry permit if you want reciprocity with other states or the additional benefits that a permit may provide. Always review local regulations for restricted places.
Are groceries taxed in Idaho?
Yes. Idaho’s sales tax (around 6% in the Boise area) is applied to groceries, which is different from some states that exempt food.
How severe are winters in the Boise area?
Winters are real but moderate compared to mountain towns. Expect nighttime lows in the teens or 20s, daytime highs in the 30s–40s, and about 19 inches of snow on average per year — but some years can see much more. Be prepared for occasional snowstorms and cold snaps.
Is it hard to start a small business in Idaho compared to California?
No — Idaho makes it easy and inexpensive to form LLCs and obtain permits. Filing fees are generally lower and administrative hurdles fewer. The trade-off is that you must do more due diligence when hiring contractors because licensing standards can be more permissive.
What neighborhoods should I consider if I’m moving to Idaho from California?
It depends on priorities. For family-friendly and safer suburbs, look at Meridian, Eagle, and Star. For more affordable options, Canyon County cities like Nampa and Caldwell offer lower price points. Boise proper offers urban amenities and the “blue dot” culture within a conservative state. Middleton and Kuna offer more rural charm and slower growth if you prefer that vibe.
Will moving to Idaho save me on taxes?
Often yes. Idaho’s flat 5.8% income tax and generally lower property tax burden can reduce overall tax liability compared to California’s progressive income tax (up to 13.3% for high earners) and higher local sales taxes. Exact savings depend on income level and property values.
Any last warnings for people moving to Idaho from California?
Be prepared for cultural shifts (politics, hunting culture), seasonal weather changes, and growing pains associated with rapid population increases. Do your neighborhood research, check water and flood maps, and vet contractors carefully.
If you’re seriously considering moving to Idaho from California and want a personalized relocation roadmap, I’ve helped hundreds of families make the transition and would be glad to help you. Reach out to me at (208)-510-0427 , visit in different seasons, and weigh the trade-offs — you may find Idaho is exactly what your family needs next.
