Connecticut vs Idaho Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$65,789
in Connecticut
$75,529
in Idaho
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Connecticut | Idaho | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 122.3 | 100.3 | +22% |
| Groceries | 103.6 | 98.9 | +5% |
| Utilities | 131.9 | 73.0 | +81% |
| Transportation | 104.0 | 106.5 | -2% |
| Healthcare | 111.5 | 106.9 | +4% |
| Dining & Misc | 109.8 | 102.4 | +7% |
| Overall | 114.0 | 99.3 | +15% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Connecticut.
What things actually cost
| Item | Connecticut | Idaho | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $405,000 | $420,000 | $15,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,712/mo | $1,404/mo | +$308 |
| Gas price | $3.45/gal | $3.41/gal | +$0.04 |
| Electric bill | $216/mo | $84/mo | +$132 |
| Infant childcare | $20,254/yr | $9,630/yr | +$10,624 |
Salary equivalent: Connecticut → Idaho
What a Connecticut salary buys you in Idaho, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Connecticut | Equivalent in Idaho | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $43,553 | +$6,447 |
| $75,000 | $65,329 | +$9,671 |
| $100,000 | $87,105 | +$12,895 |
| $150,000 | $130,658 | +$19,342 |
| $200,000 | $174,211 | +$25,789 |
Positive = your money goes further in Idaho. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Connecticut is 15% more expensive than Idaho overall. Connecticut has an index of 114 vs 99.3 for Idaho (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Connecticut or Idaho?
Idaho is cheaper to live in. Connecticut is 15% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $405,000 in Connecticut vs $420,000 in Idaho.
Is Idaho cheaper than Connecticut?
Yes, Idaho is 15% cheaper than Connecticut overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Connecticut more expensive than Idaho?
Yes, Connecticut is 15% more expensive than Idaho based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Idaho equals $100,000 in Connecticut?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Connecticut, you would need approximately $87,105 in Idaho. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (114 vs 99.3).
How do housing costs compare between Connecticut and Idaho?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Connecticut. Median home prices are $405,000 in Connecticut vs $420,000 in Idaho — a $15,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,712/mo vs $1,404/mo.
What costs more in Connecticut vs Idaho?
Utilities is 81% higher in Connecticut (index 131.9 vs 73). Housing is 22% higher in Connecticut (index 122.3 vs 100.3). Dining & Misc is 7% higher in Connecticut (index 109.8 vs 102.4).
Is gas cheaper in Connecticut or Idaho?
Gas averages $3.45/gallon in Connecticut and $3.41/gallon in Idaho — a $0.04 difference per gallon.
Connecticut vs Idaho cost of living — how do they compare?
Connecticut has an overall cost-of-living index of 114 and Idaho has 99.3 (national average = 100). Connecticut is 15% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Idaho?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Connecticut uses a progressive income tax with 7 brackets, and a top rate of 6.99% on income over $500,000. Idaho has a flat income tax rate of 5.80%, simplified from a progressive system. Use the Connecticut vs Idaho paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Connecticut and Idaho?
Connecticut requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Idaho requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Connecticut Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Idaho Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Connecticut vs Idaho Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Connecticut — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Idaho — How much house can you afford?
- Connecticut Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Idaho Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Connecticut Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Idaho Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Connecticut Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Idaho Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.