Compare states / Idaho / to Montana
ID → MT
Moving from Idaho to Montana
Taxes, housing, and other important data at a glance
Idaho vs Montana using the same fields as the all-states table. Green and red mark the destination figure when it differs.
| Idaho | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Top state income-tax rate | 5.3% | 5.65% |
| Average sales tax (state + local) | 6.03% | 0.00% |
| Average property tax (real estate) | 0.69% | 0.74% |
| Personal property tax (vehicles) | No | Yes — 1.13% effective |
| Median home value | $483,379 | $472,698 |
| Tax when you title a car | 6.00% | 0.00% |
| State parks | 30 | 55 |
| National parks | 1 | 2 |
| Population density | 25.0/sq mi | 7.9/sq mi |
| Violent crime per 100,000 | 230.6 | 423.5 |
| Demographics | 80.3% White (non-Hispanic) 13.3% Hispanic 0.9% Black 1.6% Asian | 85.1% White (non-Hispanic) 4.3% Hispanic 1.1% Black 0.9% Asian |
| Days to get a license | 30 | 60 |
| Days to title a car | 30 | 60 |
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from Idaho to Montana?
Idaho: Top listed rate 5.3%. Montana: Top listed rate 5.65%. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $6,105 in Idaho vs $6,329 in Montana. If you earned in both states this year, see ID tax agency and MT tax agency.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from Idaho to Montana?
This uses 2026 single-filer brackets (top listed 5.3% vs 5.65%), minus a $4,300 exemption per dependent. It is not your actual tax bill.
Vehicle title, registration, and tax in Montana
New Montana residents typically have 60 days to title and register. Inspection: Varies by county — confirm locally. The title-tax rate used here is 0.00%. On a $28,000 vehicle, state charges in the sketch are $50.00 (tax $0.00 + title $10.00 + registration $30.00 + plate $10.00). County and weight fees are omitted on purpose.
Estimate what you’ll pay to title the car in Montana
Title fee + plate + base registration + 0.00% tax. County extras are not included.
Driver’s license in Montana
After you become a Montana resident, you typically have 60 days to get a Montana driver license. Bring your Idaho license, Social Security number, and proof you live in Montana. Agencies often ask for two proofs; the exact list is on the official Montana DMV. Idaho plates are not a substitute for Montana registration once the title clock runs out.
Checklist for new Montana residents from Idaho
- Get a MT driver license within 60 days. Bring your ID license, Social Security number, and proof you live in Montana (agencies often ask for two proofs; use the official Montana DMV list).
- Title and register the car within 60 days. Inspection: Varies by county — confirm locally.
- Make sure car insurance meets 25/50/25.
- Register to vote. Typical close: 15 days before an election. Montana elections site.
- If you earned money in both states this year, you may need to file in both. ID tax agency · MT tax agency.
- Both Idaho and Montana are in the nurse compact — a multistate license can follow you. Confirm with the board of nursing if you are changing primary residence.
Biggest differences in moving from Idaho to Montana
- New Montana residents typically have 60 days to get a driver license (30 days is the Idaho window in this file).
- Montana title-tax rate used here is 0.00%. On a $28,000 vehicle, state charges in the sketch are $50.00 (county extras omitted).
- Title the car in Montana within 60 days. Idaho plates are not a substitute once that clock runs.
- Montana lists a vehicle personal-property tax (1.13% effective); Idaho does not.
Common questions
How does sales tax in Montana compare to Idaho?
Average combined sales tax (state + local) is 6.03% in Idaho vs 0.00% in Montana. City and county add-ons vary; this is a statewide average.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from Idaho to Montana?
The top listed rate goes up: 5.3% in Idaho vs 5.65% in Montana. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $6,105 in Idaho vs $6,329 in Montana. Actual bills depend on income, filing status, local tax, credits, and residency timing. This uses 2026 single-filer brackets after a $4,300 exemption per dependent.
How many state and national parks are in Idaho vs Montana?
Idaho has 30 state parks and 1 national parks in this file. Montana has 55 state parks and 2 national parks. State-park counts follow each agency’s own list; national parks are NPS units titled National Park.
How does population density in Montana compare to Idaho?
Population density is 25.0 people per square mile in Idaho vs 7.9 in Montana.
How do Idaho and Montana compare on demographics?
Idaho: 80.3% White (non-Hispanic), 13.3% Hispanic, 0.9% Black, 1.6% Asian. Montana: 85.1% White (non-Hispanic), 4.3% Hispanic, 1.1% Black, 0.9% Asian. These are statewide estimates; cities and counties differ.
Related moves
Also see moving to Montana and the reverse route, Montana → Idaho.
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