Georgia vs Idaho Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$81,345
in Georgia
$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 | Georgia | Idaho | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 79.7 | 100.3 | -21% |
| Groceries | 97.8 | 98.9 | -1% |
| Utilities | 100.6 | 73.0 | +38% |
| Transportation | 95.7 | 106.5 | -10% |
| Healthcare | 97.2 | 106.9 | -9% |
| Dining & Misc | 97.0 | 102.4 | -5% |
| Overall | 92.2 | 99.3 | -7% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Georgia.
What things actually cost
| Item | Georgia | Idaho | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $310,000 | $420,000 | $110,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,116/mo | $1,404/mo | $288 |
| Gas price | $3.32/gal | $3.41/gal | $0.09 |
| Electric bill | $101/mo | $84/mo | +$17 |
| Infant childcare | $11,863/yr | $9,630/yr | +$2,233 |
Salary equivalent: Georgia → Idaho
What a Georgia salary buys you in Idaho, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Georgia | Equivalent in Idaho | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $53,850 | $-3,850 |
| $75,000 | $80,775 | $-5,775 |
| $100,000 | $107,701 | $-7,701 |
| $150,000 | $161,551 | $-11,551 |
| $200,000 | $215,401 | $-15,401 |
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
Idaho is 7% more expensive than Georgia overall. Idaho has an index of 99.3 vs 92.2 for Georgia (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Georgia or Idaho?
Georgia is cheaper to live in. Idaho is 7% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $310,000 in Georgia vs $420,000 in Idaho.
Is Georgia cheaper than Idaho?
Yes, Georgia is 7% cheaper than Idaho overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Idaho more expensive than Georgia?
Yes, Idaho is 7% more expensive than Georgia based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Idaho equals $100,000 in Georgia?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Georgia, you would need approximately $107,701 in Idaho. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (92.2 vs 99.3).
How do housing costs compare between Georgia and Idaho?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Georgia. Median home prices are $310,000 in Georgia vs $420,000 in Idaho — a $110,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,116/mo vs $1,404/mo.
What costs more in Georgia vs Idaho?
Utilities is 38% higher in Georgia (index 100.6 vs 73). Housing is 21% lower in Georgia (index 79.7 vs 100.3). Transportation is 10% lower in Georgia (index 95.7 vs 106.5).
Is gas cheaper in Georgia or Idaho?
Gas averages $3.32/gallon in Georgia and $3.41/gallon in Idaho — a $0.09 difference per gallon.
Georgia vs Idaho cost of living — how do they compare?
Georgia has an overall cost-of-living index of 92.2 and Idaho has 99.3 (national average = 100). Idaho is 7% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Idaho?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Georgia has a flat income tax rate of 5.09% for 2026, continuing a legislated phase-down from its former progressive system. Idaho has a flat income tax rate of 5.80%, simplified from a progressive system. Use the Georgia 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 Georgia and Idaho?
Georgia 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
- Georgia Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Idaho Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Georgia vs Idaho Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Georgia — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Idaho — How much house can you afford?
- Georgia Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Idaho Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Georgia Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Idaho Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Georgia 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.