Best California to Idaho Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the sun-kissed beaches of California to the serene landscapes of Idaho marks an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new opportunities and adventures. As you transition from the Golden State's bustling cities and endless summers to the Gem State's tranquil forests and welcoming communities, it's a journey of leaving behind the familiar for a tapestry of new experiences. Recognizing the distance and the differences, entrusting your move to reliable and professional movers becomes essential; at Great Guys Moving, we understand the importance of this step and are dedicated to connecting you with the best movers to ensure your journey is smooth and stress-free.
Best California to Idaho Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Pure Moving | 9.64 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. | 9.63 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Best California Movers | 9.52 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 208 Moving Company | 9.49 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Valley Custom Moving | 9.40 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Idaho to California guide.
6 Best CA to ID Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving back to the community....Read More >>
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
About Best California Movers
Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry. Th...Read More >>
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
About 208 Moving Company
With over 5,000 satisfied customers and close to 9,000 boxes moved, 208 Moving Company provides you with the confidence you need when planni...Read More >>
Services
- Local movers in Boise, ID
- Long-distance moves throughout the continental United States
- Residential Moving
About Valley Custom Moving
Valley Custom Moving is a full-service moving company headquartered in Treasure Valley, Idaho that provides all types of moves, from large a...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Packing
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Idaho
Moving from one state to another is a major life decision that requires careful consideration of all factors involved. This guide is designed to help you weigh the California to Idaho relocation , providing an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this move. By comparing the pros and cons, you'll be better equipped to make an informed choice about your future.
California- High living costs
- Heavy traffic
- State income tax
- Urban crowding
Idaho- Lower living costs
- Less congestion
- No state income tax
- More open space
Idaho- Less diversity
- Smaller cities
- Landlocked
- More limited job market
California- Diverse culture
- Vibrant cities
- Beach access
- Better job market
For many, the appeal of Idaho over California extends beyond simple cost-of-living equations. For instance, Boise, Idaho's capital city, is renowned for its vibrant community life, which includes the popular Julia Davis Park, an all-season public space that hosts a variety of cultural and recreational activities. Meanwhile, those missing the diverse food scene of California cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco may find solace in Boise's growing culinary landscape, typified by establishments like Juniper on 8th, which showcase the state's burgeoning food culture. While Idaho may lack California's beachfronts, it compensates with vast, open landscapes and a more relaxed pace of life, offering a unique blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm not easily found in California's bustling metropolises.
California vs. Idaho Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between California & Idaho, highlighting the significance of food in understanding local culture and living experience. Recognizing the unique culinary scenes of both states can prepare you for what to expect food-wise in your new home.
| California | Idaho | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Avocado Toast | Idaho Potatoes |
| Most popular meat dish | Tri-tip BBQ | Idaho Lamb |
| Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Finger Steaks |
| Most popular vegan food | Plant-based Burgers | Quinoa Salad |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In California, the food scene is rich with variety, ranging from the health-conscious offerings like plant-based burgers found throughout Los Angeles' vegan restaurants to the distinctive taste of Tri-tip BBQ in the Central Valley. Avocado Toast, emerging as a staple Californian breakfast item, signals the state's love for avocados. Highlighting culinary innovation, restaurants like Chez Panisse in Berkeley and The French Laundry in Napa Valley have put California on the global food map. Meanwhile, Idaho's cuisine is deeply reflective of its agricultural roots, with Idaho Potatoes dominating as an iconic food staple. The state also boasts a growing foodie scene, with establishments like State & Lemp focusing on local, seasonal ingredients, showcasing how traditional dishes continue to inspire contemporary culinary creativity.
Ready to start your move?
California vs. Idaho Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscapes of your current and future home states is critical. This guide provides an essential comparison between California and Idaho to help you understand housing costs, style, and lifestyle. Knowing these differences will ensure you make an informed decision tailored to your needs and preferences.
| Comparison | California | Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Spanish, Modern | Craftsman, Ranch |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Ocean view, Solar panels | Mountain view, Big yards |
When looking deeper into the housing aspect of both states, it becomes apparent why each offers a unique living experience. California, with its higher median home prices and rent, accommodates a variety of lifestyles, especially those leaning towards more urban and modern living environments. Its architecture often features Spanish or modern designs, and listings frequently boast ocean views or eco-friendly features like solar panels. On the other hand, Idaho appeals to those seeking a more cost-friendly living situation, without sacrificing the essence of spaciousness and connectivity to nature. Homes here typically embrace a Craftsman or Ranch style, with real estate listings emphasizing mountain views and large yards, aligning with a lifestyle that’s less urban yet deeply rooted in the American West. Understanding these nuances will help guide your real estate choices and ensure a seamless transition to your new home state.
California vs. Idaho Weather Considerations
Moving between states means adjusting to new climates. Understanding the weather differences between California and Idaho is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison will help you set expectations and prepare for your relocation.
California
Idaho
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
California
Idaho
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
California
Idaho
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
California
Idaho
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | California | Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Variable, often moderate | Generally Good |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Wildfires, Flooding |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
With Idaho's colder winter temperatures and higher potential for snowfall, packing your wardrobe should include heavier clothes suitable for snow days, unlike in California where winters are milder. While both states enjoy plenty of sunshine, Idaho receives fewer sunny days annually, which might affect your outdoor activity schedules. Furthermore, those with allergies may find differences in triggers, primarily due to the variances in vegetation and seasonal changes. Adjusting to these differences will be key in making your new location feel like home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Idaho
Moving from one state to another requires a keen understanding of how your finances will be affected. This comparison between California and Idaho is aimed at highlighting the key economic differences, to help you brace for the change in your living standards. Know how your expenses, income, and taxes might change to make an informed decision about your relocation.
| Comparison | California | Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $91,551 | $72,785 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 91.5 |
| State Income Tax | 1% - 13.3% | 1% - 6.5% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.73% | 0.63% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.56% | 6.03% |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism |
| Affluence | Highly affluent | Moderately affluent |
| Poverty | High | Low |
| Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
When relocating from California to Idaho, you'll likely experience a significant decrease in living expenses due to Idaho's lower cost of living index. The savings extend to lower state income and sales taxes. However, while average household income in Idaho may be lower, the reduced financial strain from lower costs across the board could lead to a comparable, if not more comfortable, lifestyle. The transition could also bring changes in industry focus which may affect job prospects depending on your field of expertise. Additionally, Idaho's lower rates of poverty and homelessness might contribute to a different social environment than you're used to in California.
California vs. Idaho Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from California to Idaho, it’s essential to grasp the comparison of the politics between California & Idaho, along with understanding the religious makeup of each state. This quick snapshot will help you gauge how you might fit into your new community.
| California | Idaho | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Conservative/Republican |
| Local Politics | Diverse, with a stronger focus on environmental and social issues. | More homogeneous, with a focus on agricultural and land use issues. |
| Religion | More diverse, with a significant number of non-religious residents. | More religious, with Christianity being predominant. |
When diving deeper into the distinctions between California and Idaho, one can't help but notice the contrast between the political climates. California's politics is deeply rooted in liberal ideologies, particularly on the coast, with a strong emphasis on progressive policies. Idaho, by contrast, has a predominantly conservative electorate, shaping its policies around conservative values and principles. The difference extends to religious beliefs, where Idaho tends to have a more religious population, significantly oriented towards Christianity. This reflects not only in the community's cultural events but also in its political leanings and local policy decisions. Understandably, these elements could influence your day-to-day life, from the type of community initiatives you may want to be involved in, to the local policies that might affect your lifestyle.
Education Guide When Moving from California to Idaho
Moving from California to Idaho can represent a significant change in many areas, including educational opportunities for you or your family. To help in your decision-making, we have compared schools and educational systems between the two states. The purpose of this chart is to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and Idaho.
| California | Idaho |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of California Stanford University California State UniversityBoise State University University of Idaho Idaho State University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Granada Hills Charter (Granada Hills) Montague Charter Academy (Pacoima) El Sol Academy (Santa Ana)Anser Charter School (Boise) North Star Charter School (Eagle) White Pine Charter School (Idaho Falls) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Preuss School UCSD (La Jolla) Whitney High School (Cerritos) Hawthorne Math and Science Academy (Hawthorne)Victory Middle School (Meridian) Renaissance High School (Meridian) Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (Coeur d'Alene) | |
Top 3 High School Schools California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson) Oxford Academy (Cypress) Whitney High School (Cerritos)Boise High School (Boise) Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (Coeur d'Alene) Renaissance High School (Meridian) | |
Top 3 private high schools Harvard-Westlake School (Studio City) The Harker School (San Jose) Marlborough School (Los Angeles)Bishop Kelly High School (Boise) The Ambrose School (Meridian) Coeur d'Alene Christian School (Coeur d'Alene) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Harker School (San Jose) Harvard-Westlake School (Studio City) Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)The Ambrose School (Meridian) MorningStar Christian School (Twin Falls) Riverstone International School (Boise) | |
Top 3 School Districts San Francisco Unified School District Los Angeles Unified School District San Diego Unified School DistrictBoise School District Blaine County School District Coeur d'Alene School District | |
Both California and Idaho have a diverse range of educational opportunities, from public schools to prestigious private institutions. For instance, California is home to some of the highest-ranking universities in the country, such as Stanford University and various campuses of the University of California. On the other hand, Idaho offers strong local university options like Boise State University and the University of Idaho which are deeply integrated with the community and local industry. When it comes to K-12 education, California's top schools like the California Academy of Mathematics and Science and Oxford Academy show the state's strength in specialized education. Meanwhile, Idaho's top charter schools, like the Anser Charter School in Boise, highlight a commitment to alternative education methods tailored to individual student needs. This difference in educational landscapes reflects the broader geographic and cultural differences between the two states, offering families and students distinct choices based on their educational goals and preferences.
Popular California to Idaho Moving Routes
Popular Moving Routes
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