If you’ve ever sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic in Tacoma, paid $20,000 a year in property taxes, or felt like the gloomy weather never ends—you’re not alone. More and more Washington residents are making the move to Sandpoint, Idaho, and after spending a few days back in Tacoma myself, I’m starting to understand exactly why.
Let’s break it down: traffic, cost of living, quality of life, safety, and yes—even the weather.
1. Traffic: From Gridlock to Open Roads
In downtown Sandpoint at 9 AM, you might spot more moose than cars. That’s an exaggeration—but only slightly. There are maybe five stoplights in town, and even during peak summer traffic, getting around is a breeze compared to city life in Tacoma or Seattle.
In contrast, as soon as we hit the I-5 corridor outside Tacoma, we were in full-blown stop-and-go traffic—on a weekday mid-morning. It reminded me how stressful and time-consuming city driving really is. In Sandpoint, even if your destination is 30–45 minutes away, you’re on scenic highways or open backroads—not jammed between brake lights and road rage.
2. Cost of Living: Sandpoint Wins—Mostly
We ate at a family restaurant in Tacoma—$145 for a meal similar to what we’d get at Blue Heron in Sandpoint for around $90. Grocery shopping at a big-box store like WinCo in Tacoma was surprisingly cheaper than North Idaho, but only because Sandpoint doesn’t have that kind of wholesale-style market yet. (Although we’re holding out hope.)
Where Sandpoint really shines? Housing. Even though prices are rising, you can still get more square footage, better land, and lower taxes. A waterfront home in Tacoma had a $20,000 annual property tax bill. A comparable home on Pend Oreille in Sandpoint? Around $8,000.
3. Fuel Prices: Another Big Difference
In Sandpoint, diesel is about $3.49 a gallon. In Tacoma? It was in the high $4s. Plus, in Washington, gas stations often cap fill-ups at $85, which can be frustrating for those of us driving bigger vehicles.
Even though we may drive longer distances in North Idaho, we’re not idling in traffic for hours, burning fuel for nothing. That savings adds up fast.
4. Weather: It’s Not Just the Rain—It’s the Gloom
It may surprise you to learn that Tacoma and Sandpoint get roughly the same amount of annual rainfall—around 34–39 inches. But in Washington, it’s the gray skies that weigh people down. Seattle-Tacoma averages over 180 overcast days per year. Sandpoint gets more sunshine in between those rain showers, which can make a big difference during the long winter months.
5. Politics, Policies & Personal Freedoms
Many people cite political freedom and personal values as a key reason for leaving Washington. In conversations with folks relocating to Sandpoint, they often mention feeling over-regulated or taxed “to death by a thousand cuts.” While Washington doesn’t have an income tax, it makes up for it in other ways—from fees to property taxes to fuel regulations.
In contrast, Idaho offers a lifestyle that feels more free, with less government overreach. That’s been a major pull since 2020.
6. Safety & Community Culture
Let’s talk crime. Sandpoint is just safer—plain and simple. Coming from a law enforcement background, I look at the stats and I see the difference. In Tacoma and Seattle, violent crime and property crime are a real concern. In Sandpoint, it’s rare. Sure, crime exists everywhere, but it’s not in your face here. Our community takes care of itself.
7. Sandpoint Isn’t Perfect—But It’s Real Close
Yes, it gets colder here than in Western Washington. We get snow. You won’t find 20 types of Thai food or endless burger joints. But what we do have is a vibrant, growing town with incredible access to nature—Schweitzer Mountain, Lake Pend Oreille, world-class golf, and a welcoming community.
And despite the growth, Sandpoint is somewhat protected from exploding like other hotspots, thanks to geography and the surrounding national forest.
Thinking About Making the Move?
If you’re tired of traffic, rising costs, and the endless gray skies, Sandpoint, Idaho, might be exactly what you’re looking for.
📩 Want a free Relocation Guide to Sandpoint? Just click here or fill out the form below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox. Whether you’re just curious or ready to start house hunting, I’m happy to help.