Idaho vs Utah: Paycheck Calculator Comparison
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 With 5.80% in Idaho and 4.85% in Utah, someone earning $60,000 faces about $570 in annual tax variance. Utah's advantage lies in outdoor recreation. outdoor lovers populations have been trending toward Utah, though skiers continue finding value in Idaho despite the premium.
Idaho and Utah take different approaches to income tax—5.80% compared to 4.85%. Run the math on $60,000, and you're looking at around $570 yearly variance. Of course, taxes are just one piece of the relocation puzzle.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Idaho at 5.80% vs Utah at 4.85%
- **Annual savings** (on $60,000): Utah saves you ~$570
- **Tax system**: Both use progressive brackets
- **Deductions**: Standard federal deductions apply, state variations exist
- **Local taxes**: Check your specific county/city as rates vary within states
Tax Comparison
| Tax Type | Idaho | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 1% - 5.8% | 4.85% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,360
Take Home: $38,640
+$580
|
State Tax: $1,940
Take Home: $38,060
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,040
Take Home: $57,960
+$870
|
State Tax: $2,910
Take Home: $57,090
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $3,400
Take Home: $96,600
+$1,450
|
State Tax: $4,850
Take Home: $95,150
|
| Cost of Living | Idaho's affordability story has shifted dramatically. Boise metro experienced explosive housing growth as residents fled expensive states - median home prices that sat around $200,000 a decade ago now often exceed $450,000-500,000. Monthly rent has followed similar trajectory. Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Twin Falls maintain better value but have also seen increases. Property taxes stay relatively low. Groceries avoid sales tax. Rural Idaho still delivers genuine affordability for those willing to accept limited services and employment options. The transformation means Boise-area positions now require substantially higher salaries than just five years ago to maintain comfortable lifestyle - though still less expensive than California or Washington metros driving the migration. | Utah costs have increased substantially. Salt Lake City and surrounding areas command prices approaching expensive metros - median home prices often exceed $450,000-500,000. Provo-Orem follows similar trajectory. Smaller Utah cities offer better value. Property taxes stay moderate. Sales tax reaches 7-8%. The affordability advantage Utah once offered has compressed significantly as technology sector drives population growth and housing demand. |
Pros & Cons
Idaho
✓ Advantages
- Lower cost of living
- Beautiful outdoor recreation
- Growing tech industry
- No sales tax on groceries
⚠ Considerations
- Rapidly rising housing costs
- Limited public transportation
- Cold winters in some areas
- Lower average salaries
Utah
✓ Advantages
- Flat 4.65% income tax is simple and predictable
- Strong growing technology sector
- Beautiful outdoor recreation and skiing
- Lower unemployment rates
- Young educated workforce
⚠ Considerations
- Rising housing costs especially in Salt Lake area
- Air quality issues in winter months
- Limited public transportation
- Sales tax can be high
- Some areas face water scarcity
Bottom Line
Tax-wise, Utah wins with about $570 annual savings at $60,000. Idaho maintains pull through outdoor recreation, which resonates particularly with skiers. Recent trends show outdoor lovers moving to Utah, though Idaho continues drawing people who prioritize {factor}.📢 Share This Comparison
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