Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,181 in Connecticut versus $1,133 in Idaho. Overall, Idaho runs roughly 4% cheaper on rent than Connecticut, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $56,584 in Connecticut and $81,308 in Idaho — about 30% higher in Idaho. Connecticut has a top state income tax rate of 6.99% and a 6.35% state sales tax; Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.35%
6%
+0.3 pp in Connecticut
Income Tax (top rate)
6.99%
5.30%
+1.7 pp in Connecticut
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,181
$1,133
+4% in Connecticut
Median Home Value
$252,400
$456,000
+81% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$56,584
$81,308
+44% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.5°F
52.5°F
about equal
Connecticut vs Idaho — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Connecticut or Idaho?
- Idaho is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,133 runs about 4% below Connecticut's $1,181, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Connecticut 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 $47,000 a year in Connecticut versus $45,000 in Idaho.
- Which has lower taxes, Connecticut or Idaho?
- Connecticut has a top state income tax rate of 6.99% and a 6.35% 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 Connecticut/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.