Washington vs. Idaho
On a $75,000 salary, you keep about $1,826 more a year in Washington. Prices are 12% higher in Washington, so after adjusting for cost of living Idaho comes out ahead.
Last verified November 2, 2026.
| Washington | Idaho | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Does not tax wages, so there is no state income tax withheld from paychecks. | Has a flat income tax of 0% on taxable income. |
| Minimum wage | $17.13 | $7.25 |
| Price level (U.S. = 100) | 107.0 | 95.5 |
| Employer cost on a $50,000 hire | $5,328 | $4,917 |
| SUTA wage base | $78,200 | $58,300 |
Take-home pay at the same salary
| Salary | Washington take-home | Idaho take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $41,661 | $40,813 | $848 more in Washington |
| $75,000 | $60,552 | $58,726 | $1,826 more in Washington |
| $100,000 | $77,793 | $74,988 | $2,805 more in Washington |
| $150,000 | $111,710 | $106,949 | $4,761 more in Washington |
Single filer, standard deduction, tax year 2026. Excludes local income taxes.
Adjusted for cost of living
Using BEA regional price parities, $60,552 in Washington buys what $56,584 buys in an average-priced state, and $58,726 in Idaho buys what $61,497 does. To keep the same buying power moving from Washington to Idaho, a $75,000 salary would need to be about $66,927 before the tax difference.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Washington or Idaho better for take-home pay?
- On $75,000, you keep about $1,826 more a year in Washington. Adjusted for prices, Idaho comes out ahead by $4,913.
- Which state is cheaper for employers, Washington or Idaho?
- Employer taxes and insurance on a $50,000 hire are about $5,328 in Washington and $4,917 in Idaho.