Idaho Cost of Living Calculator
Idaho scores 99.4 on the C2ER cost of living index (housing 98.4, Q2 2026): $75,000 at the U.S. average equals about $74,550 here; its highest part is transportation at 105.6.
| Index | Idaho |
|---|---|
| Composite (sets the equivalent salary) | 99.4 |
| Housing (sets the equivalent rent) | 98.4 |
| Groceries | 103.8 |
| Utilities | 73.9 |
| Transportation | 105.6 |
| Health care | 99.7 |
| Other goods and services | 103.2 |
Source: MERIC Cost of Living Data Series, C2ER (https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series).
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Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index)
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Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index, Housing component)
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Detailed Breakdown
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
How This Calculator Works
Calculation methodology and assumptions
Idaho's figures fill the destination side: composite 99.4 for the salary, housing 98.4 for the rent, and 5.3% top rate for the tax line.
How the salary, rent and tax lines are worked out (the same for every state)
Key State Information
Idaho ranks 21st highest of the 50 states on the composite index (99.4). Median household income: $81,166 (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, table B19013). Statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent (HUD FY2027): $1,372 a month.
What Idaho's index does to a salary and a rent
| Salary at the U.S. average | Same buying power in Idaho | Rent at the U.S. average → in Idaho | Idaho income tax on that salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,700 | $1,000 → $984 | $1,544 (3.1%) |
| $75,000 | $74,550 | $1,500 → $1,476 | $2,861 (3.8%) |
| $100,000 | $99,400 | $2,000 → $1,968 | $4,178 (4.2%) |
| $150,000 | $149,100 | $2,500 → $2,460 | $6,813 (4.6%) |
Idaho 2026 single-filer rates, after Idaho State Tax Commission — 2025 Form 40 and instructions, line 16 (tax year 2025).
Idaho and the states it borders
| State | Its composite / housing | $75,000 there = in Idaho | $1,500 rent there = in Idaho | $75,000 in Idaho = there | Income tax there → here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | 106.0 / 114.9 | $70,330 | $1,285 | $79,980 | 5.65% top rate → 5.3% top rate |
| Nevada | 105.4 / 119.0 | $70,731 | $1,240 | $79,527 | none on wages → 5.3% top rate |
| Oregon | 110.4 / 118.8 | $67,527 | $1,242 | $83,300 | 9.9% top rate → 5.3% top rate |
| Utah | 98.4 / 102.9 | $75,762 | $1,434 | $74,245 | 4.45% flat → 5.3% top rate |
| Washington | 115.1 / 124.6 | $64,770 | $1,185 | $86,846 | none on wages → 5.3% top rate |
| Wyoming | 94.4 / 88.5 | $78,972 | $1,668 | $71,227 | none on wages → 5.3% top rate |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Idaho?
Idaho's composite index is 99.4 for Q2 2026, the 21st highest of the 50 states. A $75,000 salary at the national average buys what about $74,550 buys in Idaho.
Which prices are highest and lowest in Idaho?
Against a U.S. average of 100, Idaho's highest part is transportation (105.6) and its lowest is utilities (73.9); groceries, transportation and other goods and services are above the national average, the other three at or below it (C2ER, Q2 2026).
What salary keeps a two-bedroom rent in Idaho at 30% of income?
About $54,880 a year: Idaho's FY2027 statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,372 a month, and $16,464 a year is 30% of that salary.