Cost of living in Idaho
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Idaho are 4.5% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 95.5 (U.S. = 100), making it the #23 cheapest of 51 states and DC. Compare Idaho with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Idaho prices
- 1.6% pricier
- Take-home in Idaho at $75,000
- $58,726$4,894 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $59,687$4,974 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +3.2%+$1,906 a year in Idaho buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Idaho take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Idaho with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Idaho as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Idaho? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Idaho prices by category
| Category | Idaho | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 95.5 | −4.5% |
| Goods | 96.3 | −3.7% |
| Housing (rent) | 90.0 | −10.0% |
| Utilities | 70.4 | −29.6% |
| Other services | 99.0 | −1.0% |
Rents in Idaho are close to the national average. The overall price level rose 3.5% relative to the nation versus 2023 (92.2). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Idaho, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,187 | $40,813 | $42,739 | $52,359 |
| $75,000 | $16,274 | $58,726 | $61,497 | $78,539 |
| $100,000 | $25,012 | $74,988 | $78,527 | $104,719 |
At $75,000, Idaho ranks #25 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Idaho paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Idaho equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Idaho. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Idaho once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | +12.1% | $84,047 | $82,624 |
| Oregon | +8.2% | $81,179 | $87,255 |
| Nevada | +4.7% | $78,522 | $74,846 |
| Utah | +3.5% | $77,647 | $78,575 |
| Wyoming | −2.9% | $72,799 | $68,475 |
| Montana | −0.9% | $74,333 | $74,208 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −9.0% | $68,279 | $66,270 |
| Mississippi | −8.9% | $68,292 | $66,223 |
| Iowa | −8.1% | $68,927 | $66,851 |
| Oklahoma | −8.0% | $68,991 | $67,798 |
| California | +15.9% | $86,958 | $92,074 |
| Hawaii | +15.1% | $86,354 | $91,430 |
| Washington, DC | +15.1% | $86,315 | $90,349 |
| New Jersey | +13.9% | $85,454 | $88,235 |
| Texas | +1.6% | $76,228 | $72,291 |
| Florida | +8.3% | $81,220 | $77,848 |
| New York | +13.0% | $84,760 | $88,304 |
Moving from Idaho to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Idaho expensive to live in?
Idaho has a price level of 95.5 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 4.5% below the national average. It ranks #23 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Idaho?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $71,621 in Idaho before taxes. After Idaho taxes, $75,000 takes home $58,726 — worth $61,497 at U.S.-average prices, #25 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Idaho?
Idaho's housing price level is 90.0, meaning rents are 10.0% below the national average. Goods are 96.3 and utilities 70.4.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Wyoming (price level 92.7, −2.9% vs Idaho). A $75,000 Idaho salary is equivalent to $68,475 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.