Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,253 in Arizona versus $1,133 in Idaho. Overall, Idaho runs roughly 10% cheaper on rent than Arizona, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $77,041 in Arizona and $81,308 in Idaho — about 5% higher in Idaho. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax; Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.6%
6%
+0.4 pp in Idaho
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
5.30%
+2.8 pp in Idaho
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,253
$1,133
+10% in Arizona
Median Home Value
$364,300
$456,000
+25% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$77,041
$81,308
+6% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.1°F
52.5°F
+22.6°F in Arizona
Arizona vs Idaho — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Idaho?
- Idaho is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,133 runs about 10% below Arizona's $1,253, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arizona 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 $50,000 a year in Arizona versus $45,000 in Idaho.
- Which has lower taxes, Arizona or Idaho?
- Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% 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 3/1 cities we track in Arizona/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.