Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,133 in Idaho versus $1,100 in Pennsylvania. Overall, Pennsylvania runs roughly 3% cheaper on rent than Idaho, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $81,308 in Idaho and $60,698 in Pennsylvania — about 25% higher in Idaho. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax; Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
5.30%
3.07%
+2.2 pp in Idaho
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,133
$1,100
+3% in Idaho
Median Home Value
$456,000
$193,200
+58% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$81,308
$60,698
+25% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.5°F
51.8°F
+0.7°F in Idaho
Idaho vs Pennsylvania — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,100 runs about 3% 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 Pennsylvania?
- 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 $44,000 in Pennsylvania.
- Which has lower taxes, Idaho or Pennsylvania?
- Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax. Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Idaho/Pennsylvania — 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.