Moving from Ohio to Idaho
Moving from Ohio to Idaho is a long-haul, cross-country move of about 2,147 miles. At that distance most people hire professional movers and fly to their new home — this checklist covers every step of a long-distance relocation.
Generate My ChecklistOH vs ID at a Glance
Income Tax
Sales Tax
Time Zone
You'll be changing time zones
Distance
Moving Cost
Professional move, 2–3 BR home. Summer +20–30%.
What This Move Means for You
Modest cost-of-living shift
Overall costs in Idaho are about 9% higher than in Ohio — enough to notice on housing, but not a dramatic change.
Higher income tax
Idaho's top income tax rate (~5.3%) is higher than Ohio's (~2.75%). The difference shows up in every paycheck.
Lower property taxes
Idaho's effective property tax rate (0.5%) is lower than Ohio's (1.36%) — a plus if you're buying a home.
Much drier climate
Idaho is far drier than Ohio — roughly 20" less precipitation a year. Expect to adjust to lower humidity and drier air.
Before You Leave Ohio
File Form IT 1040 as a part-year resident
If you move out of Ohio during the year, you are a part-year resident. File Form IT 1040 and attach Form IT NRC with your dates of Ohio residency. The IT NRC gives you a credit for income you earned while you lived in another state. You do not have to file if your Ohio adjusted gross income is $0 or less. The same applies if your exemption amount is equal to or more than your Ohio adjusted gross income. You must still file if you owe school district income tax.
Source: Ohio Department of Taxation, 2025 IT 1040 InstructionsFile an SD 100 if your school district has an income tax
Some Ohio school districts levy their own income tax. If you lived in one of them, you owe tax on the income you received while you lived there. File Form SD 100 for that part of the year. You can owe school district tax even if you owe no Ohio income tax.
Source: Ohio Department of Taxation, School District Income TaxFile a final city income tax return
Ohio cities can levy their own income tax. If you owe city tax for the year you move, you must file a return for that year. Ask your city tax office how to file the final return.
Source: Ohio Revised Code 718.05Decide whether to cancel your Ohio registration
You can cancel an Ohio vehicle registration online with the BMV. Only an owner or co-owner can ask. BMV gives no refund. BMV cannot reinstate a cancelled registration. Register the vehicle in your new state first.
Source: Ohio BMV, Vehicle Registration CancellationTell the county auditor if you keep a home here
If you keep your Ohio home after you move, it is no longer your principal residence. Tell the county auditor that you no longer qualify for the homestead exemption or the owner-occupancy reduction. If you do not, the county can charge back the taxes you saved.
Source: Ohio Revised Code 323.153Your Moving Timeline
8 Weeks Before
At about 2,147 miles (~39 hours of driving), most people book professional long-distance movers and fly rather than drive. Reserve movers 6–8 weeks out, especially in summer.
4 Weeks Before
Notify your utility providers, update your address with USPS, and begin packing non-essential items.
1 Week Before
Confirm with your movers, finish packing, clean your home, and prepare a moving day essentials bag.
Moving Day
Supervise loading, do a final walkthrough of your old home, and hand over the keys.
After the Move
Update your driver's license at the Idaho DMV, register to vote in ID, and set up your new utilities.
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Climate Comparison
Ohio
Humid continental with cold winters and warm, humid summers.
Idaho
Semi-arid and continental with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers.
Utilities & Cost of Living
Ohio
Idaho
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Ohio to Idaho?
The driving distance from Ohio to Idaho is approximately 2,147 miles — about 39 hours of driving at highway speeds.
How much does it cost to move from Ohio to Idaho?
A professional interstate move from Ohio to Idaho typically costs between $5,500 and $10,000, depending on the size of your home and time of year.
- Summer moves (May–September) tend to cost 20–30% more.
What is the cost of living difference between Ohio and Idaho?
Ohio has a cost of living index of 93.7 versus 101.7 for Idaho (US average = 100).
- Overall, Idaho is about 9% higher than Ohio.
How do property taxes compare between Ohio and Idaho?
Ohio's effective property tax rate is about 1.36%, versus 0.5% in Idaho.
- On a typical home that difference lowers your annual holding costs, so factor it in if you plan to buy.
How soon do I need to update my driver's license after moving to Idaho?
After establishing residency in Idaho, you have 90 days to update your driver's license at a Idaho 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 Idaho DMV before you go.
What is the climate like in Idaho?
Idaho has semi-arid and continental with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers.
- The annual average temperature is 47°F, with about 19 inches of precipitation per year.
- Average monthly electricity bills run around $109.