Idaho vs New Hampshire Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$75,529
in Idaho
$67,873
in New Hampshire
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 | Idaho | New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 100.3 | 115.6 | -13% |
| Groceries | 98.9 | 99.4 | -1% |
| Utilities | 73.0 | 115.9 | -37% |
| Transportation | 106.5 | 104.0 | +2% |
| Healthcare | 106.9 | 107.9 | -1% |
| Dining & Misc | 102.4 | 111.6 | -8% |
| Overall | 99.3 | 110.5 | -10% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Idaho.
What things actually cost
| Item | Idaho | New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $420,000 | $465,000 | $45,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,404/mo | $1,618/mo | $214 |
| Gas price | $3.41/gal | $3.42/gal | $0.01 |
| Electric bill | $84/mo | $183/mo | $98 |
| Infant childcare | $9,630/yr | $17,364/yr | $7,734 |
Salary equivalent: Idaho → New Hampshire
What a Idaho salary buys you in New Hampshire, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Idaho | Equivalent in New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $55,639 | $-5,639 |
| $75,000 | $83,459 | $-8,459 |
| $100,000 | $111,279 | $-11,279 |
| $150,000 | $166,918 | $-16,918 |
| $200,000 | $222,558 | $-22,558 |
Positive = your money goes further in New Hampshire. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
New Hampshire is 10% more expensive than Idaho overall. New Hampshire has an index of 110.5 vs 99.3 for Idaho (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or New Hampshire?
Idaho is cheaper to live in. New Hampshire is 10% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $420,000 in Idaho vs $465,000 in New Hampshire.
Is Idaho cheaper than New Hampshire?
Yes, Idaho is 10% cheaper than New Hampshire overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is New Hampshire more expensive than Idaho?
Yes, New Hampshire is 10% more expensive than Idaho based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in New Hampshire equals $100,000 in Idaho?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Idaho, you would need approximately $111,279 in New Hampshire. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (99.3 vs 110.5).
How do housing costs compare between Idaho and New Hampshire?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Idaho. Median home prices are $420,000 in Idaho vs $465,000 in New Hampshire — a $45,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,404/mo vs $1,618/mo.
What costs more in Idaho vs New Hampshire?
Utilities is 37% lower in Idaho (index 73 vs 115.9). Housing is 13% lower in Idaho (index 100.3 vs 115.6). Dining & Misc is 8% lower in Idaho (index 102.4 vs 111.6).
Is gas cheaper in Idaho or New Hampshire?
Gas averages $3.41/gallon in Idaho and $3.42/gallon in New Hampshire — a $0.01 difference per gallon.
Idaho vs New Hampshire cost of living — how do they compare?
Idaho has an overall cost-of-living index of 99.3 and New Hampshire has 110.5 (national average = 100). New Hampshire is 10% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and New Hampshire?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Idaho has a flat income tax rate of 5.80%, simplified from a progressive system. New Hampshire has no tax on earned wages — your entire salary is free from state income tax. The state previously taxed interest and dividends at 5% but fully phased that out in January 2025. NH is one of only 9 states with no income tax on wages, making it popular with workers commuting from Massachusetts. Use the Idaho vs New Hampshire 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 Idaho and New Hampshire?
Idaho requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. New Hampshire has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. 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
- Idaho Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Hampshire Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Idaho vs New Hampshire Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Idaho — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in New Hampshire — How much house can you afford?
- Idaho Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- New Hampshire Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Idaho Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- New Hampshire Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Idaho Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- New Hampshire 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.