Quick answer
Idaho has lower average 1BR rent ($1,380/mo vs $1,783/mo). State income tax: Idaho (5.8%) vs New York (Up to 10.9%) — on a $120K salary that's $6,120/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Idaho vs New York
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Idaho vs New York at a Glance
| Metric | Idaho | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,380 ✓ | $1,783 |
| Avg median home price | $445K | $387K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Boise ($1,380) | Rochester ($1,050) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Boise ($1,380) | New York ($3,200) |
| State income tax | 5.8% ✓ | Up to 10.9% |
| Avg walkability | 42/100 | 72/100 ✓ |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 3 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
State Income Tax: Real Savings
What the rate gap actually looks like in your paycheck. Lower rate: Idaho (5.8%).
Salary $80K
$4,080
/year saved in Idaho
Salary $120K
$6,120
/year saved in Idaho
Salary $200K
$10,200
/year saved in Idaho
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
Idaho (ID)
Tax reality
Idaho has a 5.8% flat state income tax (moderate). Property tax is low (~0.6% effective). Sales tax 6%. No estate tax. Overall moderate tax burden.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Housing growth has outpaced wage growth. Long-time Idaho residents have been priced out of Boise proper.
- ✕Summer wildfire smoke affects air quality regularly — July through September can have multiple weeks of AQI 150-200+.
- ✕Idaho is deeply conservative politically, with some policy shifts (abortion, LGBTQ+, religion in schools) recently tightening. Boise specifically leans moderate; the rest of the state is more conservative.
New York (NY)
Tax reality
New York state income tax tops out at 10.9% for income over $25M. In NYC, add another 3.876% city tax — so total state+local tops 14.8% for high earners. The infamous "convenience rule" means your employer being in NY can make you owe NY tax even if you moved out of state.
Top cities (3 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Rent absorbs 40-60% of take-home for most NYC residents. Roommates are not an embarrassment — they're the norm well into your 30s for many professions.
- ✕The convenience rule — if your W-2 employer is in NY and you live elsewhere, NY often still taxes you. Consult a CPA before moving if your W-2 says NY.
- ✕Winters are genuinely cold and long. Mid-November through mid-March regularly sees subfreezing temps, salt slush, and 2-4 real snowstorms per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Idaho or New York cheaper to live in?
Idaho has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,380/mo vs $1,783/mo in New York, a $403/mo difference. Home prices: New York median is $387K vs $445K.
Idaho vs New York: which has lower state income tax?
Idaho has lower state income tax (5.8%) vs Up to 10.9% in New York. On an $80K salary that's $4,080/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $10,200/year.
Should I move from Idaho to New York?
Idaho has a 5.8% flat state income tax (moderate). Property tax is low (~0.6% effective). Sales tax 6%. No estate tax. Overall moderate tax burden.
What are the best cities in Idaho vs New York?
Idaho's largest metros include Boise. New York's largest metros include New York, Buffalo, Rochester. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Idaho suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.