State Comparison
Washington vs Idaho
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
Idaho leads in 12 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $560,000 in Washington vs $420,000 in Idaho — a $140,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: Washington has no income tax while Idaho has a 5.8% top rate. Property tax rates are 0.87% vs 0.69%.
- 4
Cost of Living: Washington's index is 110.7 and Idaho's is 97.7 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real Washington and Idaho data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington or Idaho more affordable?
Idaho has a lower cost of living index (97.7) compared to Washington (110.7), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — Washington or Idaho?
Overall, Washington has a lower combined tax burden. Washington has no income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.87% property tax. Idaho has a 5.8% top income tax, 6% sales tax, and 0.69% property tax.
What are housing costs in Washington vs Idaho?
The median home price in Washington is $560,000 compared to $420,000 in Idaho. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,695/month in Washington vs $1,050/month in Idaho.
Which state is better for starting a business — Washington or Idaho?
LLC filing costs are $180 in Washington vs $100 in Idaho, with annual fees of $60 and $0 respectively. Washington's lack of income tax compared to Idaho's 5.8% rate may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from Washington to Idaho?
It depends on your priorities. Idaho wins in 12 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing Washington and Idaho
When deciding between living in Washington or Idaho, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.
Washington (WA) has a median household income of $82,228 with a cost of living index of 110.7. Idaho (ID) has a median household income of $63,377 with a cost of living index of 97.7.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Washington calculator or Idaho calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.