Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,133 in Idaho versus $804 in North Dakota. Overall, North Dakota runs roughly 29% cheaper on rent than Idaho, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $81,308 in Idaho and $66,029 in North Dakota — about 19% higher in Idaho. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax; North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
5%
+1.0 pp in Idaho
Income Tax (top rate)
5.30%
2.50%
+2.8 pp in Idaho
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,133
$804
+29% in Idaho
Median Home Value
$456,000
$269,800
+41% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$81,308
$66,029
+19% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.5°F
42.4°F
+10.1°F in Idaho
Idaho vs North Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or North Dakota?
- North Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $804 runs about 29% 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 North Dakota?
- 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 $32,000 in North Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, Idaho or North Dakota?
- Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax. North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Idaho/North Dakota — 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.