Idaho vs North Dakota Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$75,529
in Idaho
$82,327
in North Dakota
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 | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 100.3 | 75.7 | +32% |
| Groceries | 98.9 | 96.8 | +2% |
| Utilities | 73.0 | 83.2 | -12% |
| Transportation | 106.5 | 99.9 | +7% |
| Healthcare | 106.9 | 108.8 | -2% |
| Dining & Misc | 102.4 | 99.2 | +3% |
| Overall | 99.3 | 91.1 | +9% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Idaho.
What things actually cost
| Item | Idaho | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $420,000 | $255,000 | +$165,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,404/mo | $1,060/mo | +$344 |
| Gas price | $3.41/gal | $3.08/gal | +$0.33 |
| Electric bill | $84/mo | $70/mo | +$14 |
| Infant childcare | $9,630/yr | $12,373/yr | $2,743 |
Salary equivalent: Idaho → North Dakota
What a Idaho salary buys you in North Dakota, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Idaho | Equivalent in North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $45,871 | +$4,129 |
| $75,000 | $68,807 | +$6,193 |
| $100,000 | $91,742 | +$8,258 |
| $150,000 | $137,613 | +$12,387 |
| $200,000 | $183,484 | +$16,516 |
Positive = your money goes further in North Dakota. 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 9% more expensive than North Dakota overall. Idaho has an index of 99.3 vs 91.1 for North Dakota (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or North Dakota?
North Dakota is cheaper to live in. Idaho is 9% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $420,000 in Idaho vs $255,000 in North Dakota.
Is North Dakota cheaper than Idaho?
Yes, North Dakota is 9% 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 North Dakota?
Yes, Idaho is 9% more expensive than North Dakota based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in North Dakota equals $100,000 in Idaho?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Idaho, you would need approximately $91,742 in North Dakota. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (99.3 vs 91.1).
How do housing costs compare between Idaho and North Dakota?
Housing is significantly cheaper in North Dakota. Median home prices are $420,000 in Idaho vs $255,000 in North Dakota — a $165,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,404/mo vs $1,060/mo.
What costs more in Idaho vs North Dakota?
Housing is 32% higher in Idaho (index 100.3 vs 75.7). Utilities is 12% lower in Idaho (index 73 vs 83.2). Transportation is 7% higher in Idaho (index 106.5 vs 99.9).
Is gas cheaper in Idaho or North Dakota?
Gas averages $3.41/gallon in Idaho and $3.08/gallon in North Dakota — a $0.33 difference per gallon.
Idaho vs North Dakota cost of living — how do they compare?
Idaho has an overall cost-of-living index of 99.3 and North Dakota has 91.1 (national average = 100). Idaho is 9% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and North Dakota?
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. North Dakota has a progressive income tax with very low rates, topping out at 2.50%. Use the Idaho vs North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
Idaho requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. North Dakota 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
- Idaho Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- North Dakota Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Idaho vs North Dakota Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Idaho — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in North Dakota — How much house can you afford?
- Idaho Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- North Dakota Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Idaho Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- North Dakota Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Idaho Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- North Dakota 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.