Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Madison to Boise
What to know before moving from Madison to Boise
Moving from Madison to Boise comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Boise is generally more expensive than Madison, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Madison | Boise | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,495 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $481,661 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $76,468 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,292 | $4,100 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,457 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 3.6% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 5.8% |
- Rent prices in Boise are 7% lower than in Madison, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Madison.
Home prices in Boise are 30.9% higher than in Madison. - Income in Boise is 21.5% higher than in Madison, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Boise include Albertsons, Albertsons Companies, and Micron Technology.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Boise, since the cost of living for a single person in Boise is 78.9% higher than in Madison. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Boise, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boise is 24.8% higher than in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Boise is 9.09% higher than in Madison.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Boise, since the cityโs sales taxes in Boise are 9.09% higher than in Madison.
- One perk of moving to Boise is paying less in state income taxes, which are 24.18% lower than in Madison.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,366.49 in Boise to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Madison.
How life is different in Madison vs. Boise
| Boise | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,684 | 269,840 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 88 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 66 |
| Crime Index | 34.99 | 34.57 |
| Safety Index | 65.01 | 65.43 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Boise's population is about 13% less than Madison.
- Boise's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Madison's higher score of 6.
- Boise is more walkable than Madison with a score of 88 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
- With a score of 99 out of 100, Boise is more bike-friendly than Madison, which has a score of 66 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Boise and Madison have a similar crime rate.
- Boise and Madison are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Boise is good, and in Madison it's good.
Other things to consider for your Madison vs. Boise move
- Weather: Boise experiences hot and dry summers and winters are moderately cold.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: In Idaho, in-state movers are regulated by and must register with the Idaho Transportation Department. In cases of unresolvable disputes with local movers, they may help. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Idaho, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Idaho doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Boise without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection for minimal coverage, provided by movers at no extra charge. With liability capped at 60 cents per pound per article, consider alternative coverage options from your selected moving company or explore third-party insurance for full value protection.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Boise
With your sights set on "City of Trees", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Boise.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central Bench
- Downtown Boise
- East End
- North End
- Southeast Boise
Best neighborhoods for families
- Collister
- Depot Bench
- North End
- Southwest Ada
- West Valley
Things to do in Boise
Once youโre settled into your new home in Idaho, itโs time to get out and discover what Boise has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Boise features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Idaho State Museum, Boise Art Glass, Basque Museum & Cultural Center, Discovery Center of Idaho, and Boise Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Camel's Back Park, Kathryn Albertson Park, Julia Davis Park, and Barber Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Boise Hawks (Pioneer League) and Idaho Steelheads (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Boise?
The best time to move from Madison to Boise is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Boise?
Because most people are moving from Madison to Boise in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Madison to Boise take?
The 1,645-mile move from Madison, WI, to Boise, ID, takes four to 15 days. Some Madison movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Boise.
