Washington vs Idaho: Tax & Cost Comparison
2026Side-by-side Washington vs Idaho comparison: state income tax, sales tax, property tax, cost of living, and minimum wage for 2026. Spokane/Coeur d'Alene cross-border Pacific NW — WA's no income tax + heavy sales tax against ID's 5.8% flat + lower COL.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
| Tax / Cost Factor | Washington | Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax (top rate) | None | 5.70% (flat) |
| State sales tax | 6.50% | 6.00% |
| Avg. effective property tax | 0.94% | 0.63% |
| Minimum wage (2026) | $17.13/hr | $7.25/hr |
| State Disability Insurance (SDI) | No | No |
| Paid Family Leave | Yes | No |
| Median home price (Q4 2025) | $615,000 | $470,000 |
| Foreclosure type | mixed | non-judicial |
| BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) | 110.3 | 96.6 |
| Median household income (2024) | $96,900 | $71,300 |
| Median 2-bedroom rent (Q4 2025) | $2,080/mo | $1,640/mo |
Worked example: $75,000 single filer, 2026
For a single filer earning $75,000 in 2026, the rough state-tax burden comparison:
- Washington: estimated state income tax $0 (no state income tax), plus federal income tax (≈ $7,300 at 22% marginal), FICA $5,738, sales tax 6.50% on consumption.
- Idaho: estimated state income tax ≈ $2,990, plus federal $7,300, FICA $5,738, sales tax 6.00% on consumption.
Property tax depends entirely on home value. On a $400,000 home: Washington ≈ $$3,760/year; Idaho ≈ $$2,520/year.
Why this comparison? Spokane/Coeur d'Alene cross-border Pacific NW — WA's no income tax + heavy sales tax against ID's 5.8% flat + lower COL.
Drill into specific calculators
Washington
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to live in: Washington or Idaho?
By BEA Regional Price Parity (2024), Washington has a cost-of-living index of 110.3 and Idaho is 96.6 (US average = 100). Median household income: Washington $96,900, Idaho $71,300. Median 2-bedroom rent: Washington $2,080/mo, Idaho $1,640/mo. Idaho is the lower-cost state by this measure.
Does Washington or Idaho have lower income tax in 2026?
Washington has no state income tax; Idaho has a top rate of 5.70%. Washington is the clearly lower-income-tax state.
What about property taxes in Washington vs Idaho?
Washington's average effective property tax rate is 0.94% (e.g., $3,760/year on a $400,000 home). Idaho's rate is 0.63% ($2,520/year on $400K). Idaho has the lower property tax burden.
Where is the minimum wage higher: Washington or Idaho?
Washington's 2026 minimum wage is $16.66/hour; Idaho's is $7.25/hour. Washington is higher.