Transportation Expenses in Idaho vs. Washington: A Comprehensive Analysis
Idaho and Washington are two neighboring states with a lot in common. They’re both located in the Pacific Northwest, they’re both home to beautiful scenery, and they’re both known for their friendly people. However, there are also some key differences between the two states, one of which is the cost of transportation.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at transportation expenses in Idaho and Washington. We’ll compare the cost of gas, car insurance, public transportation, and other transportation-related costs. We’ll also provide some tips on how to save money on transportation costs in both states.
Gas Prices
The average price of gas in Idaho is $4.31 per gallon, as of March 8, 2023. This is slightly higher than the national average of $4.25 per gallon. However, it’s still significantly lower than the average price of gas in Washington, which is $4.75 per gallon.
If you’re planning on driving in Idaho, you can expect to pay a little bit more for gas than you would in Washington. However, you can still save money by shopping around for the best price. You can also use a gas rewards card to earn cash back or points on your purchases.
Car Insurance
The average cost of car insurance in Idaho is $1,394 per year, as of March 8, 2023. This is slightly lower than the national average of $1,469 per year. However, it’s still significantly higher than the average cost of car insurance in Washington, which is $1,175 per year.
There are a number of factors that can affect the cost of car insurance, including your age, gender, driving history, and the type of car you drive. If you’re looking for ways to save money on car insurance, you can consider raising your deductible, bundling your policies, or getting multiple quotes from different insurers.
Public Transportation
Both Idaho and Washington have public transportation systems, but the two systems are quite different. Idaho’s public transportation system is more limited, with fewer routes and less frequent service. However, it’s also much cheaper than Washington’s public transportation system.
The average cost of a monthly bus pass in Idaho is $30. This is significantly cheaper than the average cost of a monthly bus pass in Washington, which is $55. However, it’s important to note that Idaho’s public transportation system is not as extensive as Washington’s, so you may have to drive more if you live in Idaho.
Other Transportation-Related Costs
In addition to gas, car insurance, and public transportation, there are a number of other transportation-related costs to consider. These costs can include parking fees, tolls, and maintenance costs.
Parking fees can vary significantly from city to city. In Idaho, the average cost of parking is $1.50 per hour. In Washington, the average cost of parking is $2.00 per hour.
Tolls are also a common expense for drivers in both Idaho and Washington. The cost of tolls can vary depending on the route you take and the type of vehicle you’re driving.
Maintenance costs can also vary significantly from vehicle to vehicle. However, you can expect to spend an average of $500 per year on maintenance costs for a new car.
Tips for Saving Money on Transportation Costs
There are a number of things you can do to save money on transportation costs in Idaho and Washington. These tips include:
- Shop around for the best price on gas.
- Use a gas rewards card to earn cash back or points on your purchases.
- Raise your deductible on your car insurance.
- Bundle your policies to save money.
- Get multiple quotes from different insurers.
- Use public transportation whenever possible.
- Carpool or rideshare with friends or coworkers.
- Walk or bike instead of driving whenever possible