Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,133 in Idaho versus $857 in New York. Overall, New York runs roughly 24% cheaper on rent than Idaho, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $81,308 in Idaho and $48,050 in New York — about 41% higher in Idaho. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax; New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
4%
+2.0 pp in Idaho
Income Tax (top rate)
5.30%
10.90%
+5.6 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,133
$857
+24% in Idaho
Median Home Value
$456,000
$152,300
+67% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$81,308
$48,050
+41% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.5°F
48.3°F
+4.2°F in Idaho
Idaho vs New York — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or New York?
- New York is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $857 runs about 24% 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 York?
- 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 $34,000 in New York.
- Which has lower taxes, Idaho or New York?
- Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Idaho/New York — 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.