Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,133 in Idaho versus $1,183 in New Jersey. Overall, Idaho runs roughly 4% cheaper on rent than New Jersey, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $81,308 in Idaho and $53,766 in New Jersey — about 34% higher in Idaho. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax; New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6.625%
+0.6 pp in New Jersey
Income Tax (top rate)
5.30%
10.75%
+5.5 pp in New Jersey
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,133
$1,183
+4% in New Jersey
Median Home Value
$456,000
$337,800
+26% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$81,308
$53,766
+34% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.5°F
54.9°F
+2.4°F in New Jersey
Idaho vs New Jersey — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or New Jersey?
- Idaho is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,133 runs about 4% below New Jersey's $1,183, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Idaho than in New Jersey?
- 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 $47,000 in New Jersey.
- Which has lower taxes, Idaho or New Jersey?
- Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax. New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Idaho/New Jersey — 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.