Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,133 in Idaho versus $889 in New Mexico. Overall, New Mexico runs roughly 22% cheaper on rent than Idaho, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $81,308 in Idaho and $65,604 in New Mexico — about 19% higher in Idaho. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax; New Mexico has a top state income tax rate of 5.90% and a 4.875% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
4.875%
+1.1 pp in Idaho
Income Tax (top rate)
5.30%
5.90%
+0.6 pp in New Mexico
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,133
$889
+22% in Idaho
Median Home Value
$456,000
$266,700
+42% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$81,308
$65,604
+19% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.5°F
57.2°F
+4.7°F in New Mexico
Idaho vs New Mexico — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or New Mexico?
- New Mexico is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 22% 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 New Mexico?
- 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 $36,000 in New Mexico.
- Which has lower taxes, Idaho or New Mexico?
- Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax. New Mexico has a top state income tax rate of 5.90% and a 4.875% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Idaho/New Mexico — 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.