Compare states / Montana / to Idaho
MT → ID
Moving from Montana to Idaho
Taxes, housing, and other important data at a glance
Montana vs Idaho using the same fields as the all-states table. Green and red mark the destination figure when it differs.
| Montana | Idaho | |
|---|---|---|
| Top state income-tax rate | 5.65% | 5.3% |
| Average sales tax (state + local) | 0.00% | 6.03% |
| Average property tax (real estate) | 0.74% | 0.69% |
| Personal property tax (vehicles) | Yes — 1.13% effective | No |
| Median home value | $472,698 | $483,379 |
| Tax when you title a car | 0.00% | 6.00% |
| State parks | 55 | 30 |
| National parks | 2 | 1 |
| Population density | 7.9/sq mi | 25.0/sq mi |
| Violent crime per 100,000 | 423.5 | 230.6 |
| Demographics | 85.1% White (non-Hispanic) 4.3% Hispanic 1.1% Black 0.9% Asian | 80.3% White (non-Hispanic) 13.3% Hispanic 0.9% Black 1.6% Asian |
| Days to get a license | 60 | 30 |
| Days to title a car | 60 | 30 |
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from Montana to Idaho?
Montana: Top listed rate 5.65%. Idaho: Top listed rate 5.3%. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $6,329 in Montana vs $6,105 in Idaho. If you earned in both states this year, see MT tax agency and ID tax agency.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from Montana to Idaho?
This uses 2026 single-filer brackets (top listed 5.65% vs 5.3%), minus a $4,300 exemption per dependent. It is not your actual tax bill.
Vehicle title, registration, and tax in Idaho
New Idaho residents typically have 30 days to title and register. Inspection: Varies by county — confirm locally. The title-tax rate used here is 6.00%. On a $28,000 vehicle, state charges in the sketch are $1,749.00 (tax $1,680.00 + title $14.00 + registration $45.00 + plate $10.00). County and weight fees are omitted on purpose.
Estimate what you’ll pay to title the car in Idaho
Title fee + plate + base registration + 6.00% tax. County extras are not included.
Driver’s license in Idaho
After you become a Idaho resident, you typically have 30 days to get a Idaho driver license. Bring your Montana license, Social Security number, and proof you live in Idaho. Agencies often ask for two proofs; the exact list is on the official Idaho DMV. Montana plates are not a substitute for Idaho registration once the title clock runs out.
Checklist for new Idaho residents from Montana
- Get a ID driver license within 30 days. Bring your MT license, Social Security number, and proof you live in Idaho (agencies often ask for two proofs; use the official Idaho DMV list).
- Title and register the car within 30 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. Idaho elections site.
- If you earned money in both states this year, you may need to file in both. MT tax agency · ID tax agency.
- Both Montana and Idaho 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 Montana to Idaho
- New Idaho residents typically have 30 days to get a driver license (60 days is the Montana window in this file).
- Idaho title-tax rate used here is 6.00%. On a $28,000 vehicle, state charges in the sketch are $1,749.00 (county extras omitted).
- Title the car in Idaho within 30 days. Montana plates are not a substitute once that clock runs.
- Montana lists a vehicle personal-property tax; Idaho does not in this file.
Common questions
How does sales tax in Idaho compare to Montana?
Average combined sales tax (state + local) is 0.00% in Montana vs 6.03% in Idaho. City and county add-ons vary; this is a statewide average.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from Montana to Idaho?
The top listed rate goes down: 5.65% in Montana vs 5.3% in Idaho. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $6,329 in Montana vs $6,105 in Idaho. 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 Montana vs Idaho?
Montana has 55 state parks and 2 national parks in this file. Idaho has 30 state parks and 1 national parks. State-park counts follow each agency’s own list; national parks are NPS units titled National Park.
How does population density in Idaho compare to Montana?
Population density is 7.9 people per square mile in Montana vs 25.0 in Idaho.
How do Montana and Idaho compare on demographics?
Montana: 85.1% White (non-Hispanic), 4.3% Hispanic, 1.1% Black, 0.9% Asian. Idaho: 80.3% White (non-Hispanic), 13.3% Hispanic, 0.9% Black, 1.6% Asian. These are statewide estimates; cities and counties differ.
Related moves
Also see moving to Idaho and the reverse route, Idaho → Montana.
Your move