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A good salary in Idaho has changed significantly as more people have moved to the state, particularly the Boise area.
Quick Answer
| Situation | Good Salary | Comfortable Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Single, Idaho average | $52,000-$68,000 | $42,000-$52,000 |
| Single in Boise | $60,000-$78,000 | $50,000-$60,000 |
| Single in Idaho Falls | $48,000-$62,000 | $38,000-$48,000 |
| Family of 4 | $85,000-$110,000 | $70,000-$85,000 |
Key trend: Idaho’s cost of living has risen 25%+ since 2020 due to population growth.
Why Idaho Has Become More Expensive
Idaho’s rapidly rising costs come from:
- Population boom — one of fastest-growing states
- Remote workers from high-cost states bringing higher budgets
- Housing shortage — construction can’t keep pace
- Flat income tax of 5.8% (recently reduced from 6%)
Good Salary by Idaho City
Boise
Boise has transformed from affordable to moderately expensive.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $42,000 | $72,000 |
| Comfortable | $58,000 | $95,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $78,000+ | $125,000+ |
Median home price: ~$475,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,400/month
Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls remains more affordable with strong job market (INL).
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $35,000 | $58,000 |
| Comfortable | $48,000 | $78,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $62,000+ | $100,000+ |
Median home price: ~$350,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,050/month
Coeur d’Alene
Beautiful lakeside city with rising prices due to tourism and migration.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $42,000 | $70,000 |
| Comfortable | $55,000 | $90,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $75,000+ | $120,000+ |
Median home price: ~$550,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,350/month
Twin Falls
Twin Falls offers affordable small-city living.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $32,000 | $55,000 |
| Comfortable | $42,000 | $70,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $55,000+ | $90,000+ |
Median home price: ~$320,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$950/month
How Much House Can You Afford in Idaho?
| Annual Salary | Max Home Price (28% rule) |
|---|---|
| $52,000 | $190,000-$210,000 |
| $68,000 | $250,000-$280,000 |
| $85,000 | $320,000-$350,000 |
| $110,000 | $420,000-$460,000 |
Idaho vs. Other States
| State | $65K Salary Take-Home | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho | $53,500 | 105 |
| Utah | $53,200 | 104 |
| Montana | $53,200 | 106 |
| Washington | $55,000 | 107 |
Idaho’s flat tax is competitive with neighboring states.
Idaho State Income Tax
Idaho has a flat income tax of 5.8% (reduced from 6% in 2023):
- Simple calculation
- No brackets to navigate
- Recent tax cuts have improved take-home pay
Top Industries in Idaho
- Technology (Micron, HP, startups) — Average salary $85,000+
- Agriculture — Average salary $45,000+
- Healthcare — Average salary $65,000+
- Government/Military (Mountain Home AFB) — Average salary $60,000+
- Nuclear/Energy (Idaho National Lab) — Average salary $95,000+
- Manufacturing — Average salary $55,000+
Related Guides
- What is a good salary in Utah?
- What is a good salary in Montana?
- How much house on $65K salary?
- US Income Percentile Calculator
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.” bls.gov/oes
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