California vs. Idaho
On a $75,000 salary, you keep about $883 more a year in Idaho. Prices are 16% higher in California, so after adjusting for cost of living Idaho comes out ahead.
Last verified November 2, 2026.
| California | Idaho | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Has a graduated income tax with 9 brackets, from 1% up to 12.3% on taxable income over $742,953 for single filers. | Has a flat income tax of 0% on taxable income. |
| Minimum wage | $16.90 | $7.25 |
| Price level (U.S. = 100) | 110.7 | 95.5 |
| Employer cost on a $50,000 hire | $5,147 | $4,917 |
| SUTA wage base | $7,000 | $58,300 |
Take-home pay at the same salary
| Salary | California take-home | Idaho take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,665 | $40,813 | $148 more in Idaho |
| $75,000 | $57,843 | $58,726 | $883 more in Idaho |
| $100,000 | $72,825 | $74,988 | $2,163 more in Idaho |
| $150,000 | $102,136 | $106,949 | $4,813 more in Idaho |
Single filer, standard deduction, tax year 2026. Excludes local income taxes.
Adjusted for cost of living
Using BEA regional price parities, $57,843 in California buys what $52,243 buys in an average-priced state, and $58,726 in Idaho buys what $61,497 does. To keep the same buying power moving from California to Idaho, a $75,000 salary would need to be about $64,686 before the tax difference.
Try your own salary
Frequently asked questions
- Is California or Idaho better for take-home pay?
- On $75,000, you keep about $883 more a year in Idaho. Adjusted for prices, Idaho comes out ahead by $9,254.
- Which state is cheaper for employers, California or Idaho?
- Employer taxes and insurance on a $50,000 hire are about $5,147 in California and $4,917 in Idaho.