Idaho's cost of living index is 102 — 2.0% above the US average of 100. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
102
US avg = 100
vs. National Avg
+2.0%
More expensive
Median Income
$60,999
Idaho median household
Equiv. at US Avg
$59,803
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 102 | MIT/MERIC composite index (US avg = 100) |
| vs. National | +2.0% | Above average cost |
| Median Household Income | $60,999 | Idaho median (2023 ACS) |
| National Purchasing Power | $59,803 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Moderate | Qualitative classification |
| Population | 1,839,106 | 2020 US Census |
With a cost of living index of 102, Idaho is roughly on par with the national average. Higher costs in Idaho mean your dollar stretches less far than in most states. A salary of $60,999 in Idaho provides the equivalent purchasing power of $59,803 in a state with average cost of living.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Idaho's median home price of $420,000 is significantly above the national median of approximately $310,000. Other factors include state income tax (5.8% top rate in Idaho), sales tax (6.00% state rate), and local property tax rates (0.69%).
