United States
Cost of living in Idaho
Cost of living in Idaho stands at 95.5 on the regional price parity index, 4 percent below the US average of 100 and 29th nationally. The flat income tax rate is 5.695 percent for 2025, with a standard deduction conforming to the federal $15,000 single-filer amount. The state sales tax runs at 6 percent. Idaho's overall price level has risen faster than most of its neighbors over the past decade as remote workers relocated from California and Washington, pushing Boise-area housing toward the national average. Outside the Treasure Valley, however, costs in cities like Pocatello, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls remain noticeably lower. Compared to neighboring Montana (94.6) and Wyoming (92.7), Idaho's income tax represents an additional burden, though the absence of a sales tax in Montana partially offsets that difference.
Price level
95.5
US = 100
National rank
29th
of 51, dearest first
Income tax
5.695%
flat
Sales tax
6%
state base rate
What your salary is worth in Idaho
Because prices here sit at 95.5 against the national 100, the same paycheck stretches differently than it would elsewhere. These figures hold buying power constant: the salary listed is what you would need in Idaho to live as you would on the reference amount in another place.
| Same lifestyle as | $60,000 | $100,000 |
|---|---|---|
| US average | $57,300 | $95,500 |
| California (dearest) | $51,762 | $86,269 |
| Arkansas (cheapest) | $65,938 | $109,896 |
Compare Idaho with anywhere in the US
To live the same in California you need
$81,141
to match $70,000 in Idaho
Price level, US = 100
The equivalent salary keeps your purchasing power constant: it is your pay scaled by the ratio of the two price levels. Regional Price Parities measure what a fixed basket of goods and services costs locally. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024.
Idaho in context
The Boise metro area has become a tale of two affordability stories. Home prices in Ada County have roughly doubled over five years, narrowing the gap with coastal markets and pushing the effective cost of living in Boise well above the statewide average of 95.5. Eastern and southern Idaho remain more affordable, with agriculture and food processing anchoring stable but modest wage levels. The flat 5.695 percent income tax applies uniformly regardless of income level, which is less favorable for lower earners than a graduated system with a zero bracket. Idaho's 6 percent sales tax applies broadly, including to groceries in most circumstances, adding a regressive element. Households migrating from Washington State, which has no income tax but a 6.5 percent sales tax, need to model total tax exposure carefully before assuming Idaho is cheaper on all fronts.
The closest state above Idaho on price is Michigan at 96.2. Just below sits Montana at 94.6.
Frequently asked questions
Is Idaho expensive to live in?
Idaho sits at a price level of 95.5 where the US average is 100, so a typical basket of goods and services costs about 4% less than the national norm. That ranks it 29th most expensive of 51 states. Housing is usually the largest single driver of the gap.
What salary do you need in Idaho?
To match the buying power of $60,000 earned at the US average, you would need about $57,300 in Idaho. The figure scales with the price level: a place dearer than average needs more, a cheaper one needs less. Your own number also depends on housing choice and household size.
How much tax does Idaho charge?
Idaho applies a flat 5.695% state income tax and a base state sales tax of 6%. Flat 5.695% for 2025; single standard deduction conforms to federal ($15,000 for 2025). Local jurisdictions can add their own sales tax on top.
Cost of living in other states
Price levels are Regional Price Parities from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities (SARPP, MARPP), 2024 (public domain). State tax figures are the latest published rates from state revenue departments. All figures are estimates for general comparison and not financial advice; your own costs depend on housing, household size and lifestyle.