Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,133 in Idaho versus $782 in Indiana. Overall, Indiana runs roughly 31% cheaper on rent than Idaho, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $81,308 in Idaho and $60,293 in Indiana — about 26% higher in Idaho. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax; Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
7%
+1.0 pp in Indiana
Income Tax (top rate)
5.30%
2.95%
+2.3 pp in Idaho
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,133
$782
+31% in Idaho
Median Home Value
$456,000
$169,700
+63% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$81,308
$60,293
+26% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.5°F
53.2°F
+0.7°F in Indiana
Idaho vs Indiana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or Indiana?
- Indiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $782 runs about 31% 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 Idaho than in Indiana?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $45,000 a year in Idaho versus $31,000 in Indiana.
- Which has lower taxes, Idaho or Indiana?
- Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax. Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Idaho/Indiana — 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.