Idaho Cost of Living Calculator 2026
Compare cost of living in Idaho to other US states and cities. See equivalent salary needed when relocating.
By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated October 19, 2026 · Methodology
Equivalent Salary Needed
$92,792.79
Difference
-$7,207.21
Cost Difference
-7.21%
Cost of Living Comparison
| Austin, TX Index | 111 |
| Boise, ID Index | 103 |
| National Average | 100 |
| Your Current Salary | $100,000.00 |
| Equivalent in Boise, ID | $92,792.79 |
| You would need less | $7,207.21 |
Breakdown by Category (Annual)
| Housing | -12.50% |
| Current (Austin, TX) | $40,000.00 |
| Target (Boise, ID) | $35,000.00 |
| Food & Groceries | +3.00% |
| Current (Austin, TX) | $15,000.00 |
| Target (Boise, ID) | $15,450.00 |
| Transportation | +6.00% |
| Current (Austin, TX) | $15,000.00 |
| Target (Boise, ID) | $15,900.00 |
| Healthcare | -1.90% |
| Current (Austin, TX) | $10,000.00 |
| Target (Boise, ID) | $9,809.52 |
Cost of living indices are approximate and based on aggregate data. Individual expenses may vary significantly. Housing costs tend to have the largest impact when moving between cities.
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.
Idaho Cost of Living Overview
Understanding the cost of living in Idaho means looking at taxes, housing, and everyday expenses together. Idaho levies a progressive income tax, which directly impacts take-home pay. The average property tax rate is 0.43%, and the state sales tax rate is 6.00%.
Idaho's cost of living is shaped by a tax mix that is moderate by national standards. A flat 5.3% income tax, a 6% sales tax, and a low average effective property tax rate of about 0.43% mean the state takes a smaller bite through property than most of the country, while collecting a steady share through income and sales. For a household budget, that often translates into manageable annual property bills but a noticeable everyday cost from sales tax, since even groceries are taxed at 6%.
Housing is the bigger swing factor. Popular areas around Boise and the resort towns have seen home prices and rents climb, which can outweigh the tax advantages, while many rural counties remain far cheaper. When comparing a salary between, say, Boise and a smaller Idaho city, weigh the differences in rent or mortgage first, then layer in that the 5.3% income tax and 6% sales tax apply statewide, while the property levy and any local-option sales tax depend on exactly where you live.
Idaho Cost Snapshot (2026)
| Avg. Property Tax Rate | 0.43% |
| State Sales Tax Rate | 6.00% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr |
| State Income Tax | Progressive (up to 5.3%) |
| State Disability Insurance (SDI) | No |
| Estate / Inheritance Tax | No |
| Local/City Taxes | Resort cities and auditorium districts may levy local-option sales taxes of up to ~3%, pushing combined rates as high as ~9%. |
City indexes (U.S. average = 100) are planning estimates on one scale. The 29 cities added in August 2026 were reconciled from BestPlaces city pages, the Payscale and RentCafe cost-of-living calculators (both built on the C2ER Cost of Living Index) and the MERIC state index for Q1 2026; the original 30 large metros date from April 2026 and have not been re-checked since. Local rents and home prices can differ a lot within a metro, and the equivalent salary does not account for income taxes.
Official Sources: