MoveCheck

Moving from Idaho to Montana

At roughly 363 miles, moving from Idaho to Montana is a short interstate move — close enough that many people rent a truck and drive it themselves in a day. Here's the full checklist so nothing slips through.

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ID vs MT at a Glance

Income Tax

ID5.3%
MT5.65%
Property Tax (effective)
ID0.5%
MT0.61%

Sales Tax

ID6%
MTNo sales tax

Time Zone

IDMountain
MTMountain

Distance

By road~363 mi
Drive time~6.5 hrs

Moving Cost

Typical range$1,000–$3,000

Professional move, 2–3 BR home. Summer +20–30%.

Your Moving Timeline

1

8 Weeks Before

At about 363 miles (~6.5 hours), this is short enough to DIY with a rental truck or a single-day mover run. Get 2–3 quotes and compare them against renting.

2

4 Weeks Before

Notify your utility providers, update your address with USPS, and begin packing non-essential items.

3

1 Week Before

Confirm with your movers, finish packing, clean your home, and prepare a moving day essentials bag.

4

Moving Day

Supervise loading, do a final walkthrough of your old home, and hand over the keys.

5

After the Move

Update your driver's license at the Montana DMV, register to vote in MT, and set up your new utilities.

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Climate Comparison

Idaho

Annual avg temp47°F
Annual precipitation19″

Semi-arid and continental with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers.

Montana

Annual avg temp43°F
Annual precipitation15″

Semi-arid and alpine with cold winters and warm, dry summers.

Utilities & Cost of Living

Idaho

Avg monthly electric bill$109/mo
Cost of living index101.7 (US avg = 100)

Montana

Avg monthly electric bill$108/mo
Cost of living index105.9 (US avg = 100)

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is it from Idaho to Montana?

The driving distance from Idaho to Montana is approximately 363 miles — about 6.5 hours of driving at highway speeds.

How much does it cost to move from Idaho to Montana?

A professional interstate move from Idaho to Montana typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the size of your home and time of year.

  • Summer moves (May–September) tend to cost 20–30% more.

How soon do I need to update my driver's license after moving to Montana?

After establishing residency in Montana, you have 60 days to update your driver's license at a Montana DMV office.

  • Vehicle registration is a separate transaction with its own deadline, which in most states differs from the license deadline — confirm both with the Montana DMV before you go.

What is the climate like in Montana?

Montana has semi-arid and alpine with cold winters and warm, dry summers.

  • The annual average temperature is 43°F, with about 15 inches of precipitation per year.
  • Average monthly electricity bills run around $108.