Moving from Idaho to California
In the Census Bureau's 2024 survey, about 6,500 people living in California had lived in Idaho a year earlier. A 2-bedroom move from Boise to Los Angeles, about 791 miles, usually costs $2,600–$4,900. 30 licensed movers are based in Idaho.
Who makes this move
6,509
people moved from Idaho to California (±1,562)
15,385
moved the other way, from California to Idaho (±2,919)
- California drew about 11% of the roughly 60,000 people who left Idaho for another state.
- More people moved from California to Idaho than this way, by about 8,900.
- People aged 1 and over, not households. Margins of error at 90% confidence.
Where people who left Idaho went
Most common moves out of Idaho
- Utah8,400
- Washington7,900
- California6,500
- Arizona5,100
- Oregon4,400
- Texas3,400
- Colorado2,300
- Nevada2,200
Survey estimates: where two figures are closer than their margins of error, their order may not be real. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, State-to-State Migration Flows: 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates.
What it costs, by home size
Boise to Los Angeles, about 791 miles.
| Home | Typical weight | Usual cost | In summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio1,800 lb | 1,800 lb | $1,500–$2,800 | $1,850–$3,450 |
| 1 bedroom2,800 lb | 2,800 lb | $1,900–$3,550 | $2,350–$4,400 |
| 2 bedrooms5,000 lb | 5,000 lb | $2,600–$4,900 | $3,250–$6,050 |
| 3 bedrooms7,500 lb | 7,500 lb | $3,250–$6,100 | $4,050–$7,550 |
| 4 bedrooms10,000 lb | 10,000 lb | $3,800–$7,150 | $4,700–$8,850 |
| 5+ bedrooms13,000 lb | 13,000 lb | $4,400–$8,200 | $5,450–$10,200 |
A model, not a quote: weight and distance, adjusted for season, fitted to published 2026 cost tables. Packing, stairs and specialty items add to these. How we model costs.
Between the main cities
A 2-bedroom move, mid-month outside summer.
| Move | Miles | Usual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Boise to Los Angeles | 791 | $2,600–$4,900 |
| Boise to San Francisco | 612 | $2,600–$4,900 |
| Boise to San Diego | 891 | $2,600–$4,900 |
Road miles, estimated from the straight line between the cities.
Licensed movers based in Idaho
See all 30Each holds active federal carrier authority with cargo insurance on file. Tick up to three to get quotes.
Garden City, ID · USDOT 1297089
11 trucks · Cargo insurance on file · Since 2004
Coeur D Alene, ID · USDOT 4119728
2 trucks · Cargo insurance on file · Since 2023
Post Falls, ID · USDOT 1009960
3 trucks · Cargo insurance on file · Since 2002
Before you book
Questions about moving from Idaho to California
How much does it cost to move from Idaho to California?
In our model a 2-bedroom move from Boise to Los Angeles, about 791 miles, usually costs $2,600–$4,900 mid-month outside summer; between the main cities on this page it runs from $2,600 to $4,900. A studio runs about $1,500–$2,800 and a 4-bedroom about $3,800–$7,150. Only a mover's written estimate is a price.
How many people move from Idaho to California?
About 6,500 in a year. The Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey estimates 6,509, with a margin of error of ±1,562. About 15,000 moved from California to Idaho the same year. These count people, not households.
How far is it from Idaho to California?
Between the main cities on this page, from about 612 to 891 miles by road; Boise to Los Angeles is about 791. Distances are estimated from the straight line between the cities; a mover's estimate uses the actual route.
Does a mover need a federal license to move me from Idaho to California?
Yes. The move crosses a state line, so the mover needs active interstate authority from the FMCSA under a USDOT number. Each mover listed here shows its authority and insurance status from FMCSA's files.
When is it cheapest to move from Idaho to California?
Outside June to August, and away from the last days of a month. In our model a summer move costs about 23% more, and the end of a month about 9% more.
Get quotes for your move from Idaho to California
See which companies hold active federal authority to move you and what moves like yours usually cost, then pick who quotes you.
Already have a quote? Check whether it's a normal price.
More moves from Idaho
Movers in Idaho and California. Every move between states and the major cities: moving routes.