How Far Does $100K Go in Idaho?

A shiny new study from SEOSpace has pulled back the curtain on what a $100,000 salary is really worth across the U.S., revealing some eye-opening differences in purchasing power from state to state. Idaho lands at rank #34 in the lineup, with $100K translating to a real-world value of $76,472 after factoring in state taxes and cost of living.

What Makes Idaho Tick? Cost of Living Breakdown

As more folks discover its charm, the cost of living has crept up, especially in the housing market. Even with higher-than-yesterday prices, life in Idaho is still a bargain compared to spendier neighbors like Washington or Oregon. Groceries? Affordable. Healthcare? Manageable. Transportation? Not breaking the bank. That $100K salary here can do some heavy lifting, covering essentials, savings, and a bit of fun—maybe even those kayaks you’ve been eyeing.

Idaho vs. The Rest of the U.S.: Where It Stands

Idaho finds itself in a respectable middle spot. Sure, states like Kansas ($91,086) and South Dakota ($89,972) stretch those Benjamins further, but Idaho still looks golden compared to California ($54,724) or New York ($62,320), where big city dreams come with equally big price tags.

Methodology Behind the Numbers

For their analysis, SEOSpace evaluated the federal and state tax burdens on a $100,000 salary for 2024 and then adjusted those figures based on each state's cost of living. This included everyday expenses like housing, transportation, and groceries. By crunching all those numbers, they uncovered not just what $100,000 looks like on paper but how it actually stacks up in the real world, state by state.

The Ten Idaho Cities With the Most Affordable Homes

Not all zip codes are created equally. Idaho has its share of pricey real estate, but there are still a few places around the state where you can find a home for under $150,000, according to Homesnacks. Wanna move?

Gallery Credit: Jen Austin - TSM Boise

Idaho's Top 10 Most Affordable Places To Live

A comprehensive methodology was employed to determine the most affordable places to live in Idaho, focusing on several key metrics to calculate an Affordability Score. This score is designed to provide a clear picture of the economic landscape in various zip codes. The metrics considered include median home value, rental costs, property taxes, and energy costs. Each of these factors plays a significant role in shaping the affordability of a location. The median home value and its affordability relative to household income are weighted heavily, as they indicate the financial accessibility of purchasing a home in the area.

Gallery Credit: Kyle Matthews

5 Most Affordable Boise Homes With Beautiful In-Ground Pools

When you live in a city that routinely sees at least 10 days in the triple digits every summer, a pool is one of the nicest amenities you can have on your property! Here are the five cheapest properties with in-ground pools for sale in Boise as of July 12, 2023.

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

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