Front exterior of The Gale with board and batten siding and two-car garage, South Fork Landing, Garden Valley, Idaho

RELOCATION · OREGON TO IDAHO

Moving to Boise from Oregon

Lower income tax, a sales tax you are not used to, and a much drier climate.

Moving to Boise from Oregon usually lowers your income tax and your home price but adds a sales tax. Idaho's income tax is a flat 5.3% versus Oregon's 4.75% to 9.9% brackets, and Idaho's median home value is $418,600 against $477,600 in Oregon. Idaho charges a 6% sales tax; Oregon has none. We build custom homes across the Treasure Valley.

Idaho income tax: 5.3% flat
Oregon income tax: 4.75% to 9.9%
Idaho sales tax: 6%
Oregon sales tax: None

THE NUMBERS

Oregon vs Idaho: two different tax mixes

Oregon and Idaho tax households in opposite ways. Oregon has no general sales tax and an income tax with four brackets from 4.75% to 9.9%; the top rate starts above $125,000 of taxable income for single filers and $250,000 for joint filers (2025). Idaho has one flat 5.3% income tax and a 6% state sales tax. Which mix costs you less depends on your income and spending, so run your own numbers.

Housing favors Idaho. The Census median value of an owner-occupied home is $477,600 in Oregon and $418,600 in Idaho for 2020 to 2024, and Idaho's homeowner's exemption removes 50% of a primary home's value, up to $125,000, from property tax. Our 2026 cost guide covers what a custom home costs to build.

Oregon and Idaho compared (sources below, as of 2026)
	Oregon	Idaho
Income tax	4.75% to 9.9% brackets (2025)	5.3% flat
General sales tax	None	6%
Median owner-occupied home value (ACS 2020-2024)	$477,600	$418,600

02 / CLIMATE

From valley rain to
high desert sun.

If you live in the Willamette Valley or on the coast, expect a much drier year. The National Weather Service puts Boise's precipitation at just over 11 inches a year, mostly between November and May, with abundant sunshine from spring through early fall. Snowfall at the airport averages around 20 inches. Families from Bend or eastern Oregon will recognize the high desert pattern of warm days and cool nights.

That climate shapes our standard specification: 2x6 exterior walls, R-38 attic and R-21 wall insulation, a conditioned crawl space and a 92% efficient gas furnace with air conditioning.

03 / LAND

Finding a lot
that fits.

About 550 people a month in Oregon search for a move to the Treasure Valley, and lots are often their first question. We build on builder-owned lots in our communities or on land you already own. Lisa is an AICP-certified planner, and Bob spent about 15 years with the City of Kuna, from building inspector to Public Works Director, so zoning, setbacks and site questions get answered before you commit.

Compare Boise, Meridian and Eagle, and see the Census numbers for each on our Boise vs Meridian vs Eagle vs Star page.

04 / THE MOVE

Building from
Oregon.

Our typical build time is 6 to 8 months once construction starts. Plan one trip for interior design appointments, about 2 to 3 days, and optional walkthroughs after framing; everything else can run by phone and email. Read building in Idaho from out of state for the full sequence, or download the relocation guide.

05 / FROM A CLIENT

What our out-of-state
clients say.

One family who built with us from another state put it simply.

“We were building from out of state and I was worried about not being here, but when you trust your builder, it makes it so much easier!!”
Nicole M., Google review

A PLACE TO BELONG

Find your corner
of Idaho.

Beautiful homesites. Extraordinary build opportunities.

Explore our communities ↗

QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

Frequently asked
questions.

Is Idaho cheaper than Oregon?

For housing, generally yes: the Census median home value is $418,600 in Idaho and $477,600 in Oregon. Taxes depend on your situation. Idaho's flat 5.3% income tax is lower than Oregon's upper brackets, but Idaho charges a 6% sales tax and Oregon has none.

Does Idaho have a sales tax?

Yes. Idaho's state sales tax is 6%, and it applies to retail sales unless a specific exemption covers them, according to the Idaho State Tax Commission. Idaho residents can claim a food tax credit on their income tax return to offset part of the tax on groceries.

Which state taxes income more, Oregon or Idaho?

For most households, Oregon. Its 8.75% bracket starts at $11,100 of taxable income for single filers and its 9.9% rate above $125,000 (2025). Idaho taxes all taxable income at a flat 5.3%. A tax professional can model your specific case.

Can you help me choose a lot from Oregon?

Yes. We build on our community lots or on land you own. Lisa is an AICP-certified planner and Bob spent about 15 years with the City of Kuna, from building inspector to Public Works Director, so we review zoning and site conditions with you before you buy. Call 208-577-8794 or use our contact page.

Moving from another state

Sources

8 references, all public

Moving to Boise from Oregon

Oregon vs Idaho: two different tax mixes

From valley rain tohigh desert sun.

Finding a lotthat fits.

Building fromOregon.

What our out-of-stateclients say.

Find your cornerof Idaho.

Frequently askedquestions.