Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,133 in Idaho versus $668 in West Virginia. Overall, West Virginia runs roughly 41% cheaper on rent than Idaho, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $81,308 in Idaho and $64,512 in West Virginia — about 21% higher in Idaho. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax; West Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 4.82% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
5.30%
4.82%
+0.5 pp in Idaho
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,133
$668
+41% in Idaho
Median Home Value
$456,000
$187,300
+59% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$81,308
$64,512
+21% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.5°F
55.7°F
+3.2°F in West Virginia
Idaho vs West Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or West Virginia?
- West Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $668 runs about 41% 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 West Virginia?
- 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 $27,000 in West Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Idaho or West Virginia?
- Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax. West Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 4.82% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Idaho/West Virginia — 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.