Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,004 in Alabama versus $1,133 in Idaho. Overall, Alabama runs roughly 11% cheaper on rent than Idaho, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $44,376 in Alabama and $81,308 in Idaho — about 45% higher in Idaho. Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6%
+2.0 pp in Idaho
Income Tax (top rate)
5.00%
5.30%
+0.3 pp in Idaho
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,004
$1,133
+13% in Idaho
Median Home Value
$138,600
$456,000
+229% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$44,376
$81,308
+83% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
63.3°F
52.5°F
+10.8°F in Alabama
Alabama vs Idaho — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Idaho?
- Alabama is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,004 runs about 11% below Idaho's $1,133, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alabama than in Idaho?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $40,000 a year in Alabama versus $45,000 in Idaho.
- Which has lower taxes, Alabama or Idaho?
- Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Alabama/Idaho — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.