Idaho vs Ohio Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$75,529
in Idaho
$79,281
in Ohio
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 | Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 100.3 | 87.6 | +14% |
| Groceries | 98.9 | 99.4 | -1% |
| Utilities | 73.0 | 98.3 | -26% |
| Transportation | 106.5 | 97.6 | +9% |
| Healthcare | 106.9 | 97.0 | +10% |
| Dining & Misc | 102.4 | 96.7 | +6% |
| Overall | 99.3 | 94.6 | +5% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Idaho.
What things actually cost
| Item | Idaho | Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $420,000 | $220,000 | +$200,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,404/mo | $1,226/mo | +$178 |
| Gas price | $3.41/gal | $3.44/gal | $0.03 |
| Electric bill | $84/mo | $100/mo | $16 |
| Infant childcare | $9,630/yr | $17,071/yr | $7,441 |
Salary equivalent: Idaho → Ohio
What a Idaho salary buys you in Ohio, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Idaho | Equivalent in Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $47,633 | +$2,367 |
| $75,000 | $71,450 | +$3,550 |
| $100,000 | $95,267 | +$4,733 |
| $150,000 | $142,900 | +$7,100 |
| $200,000 | $190,534 | +$9,466 |
Positive = your money goes further in Ohio. 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 5% more expensive than Ohio overall. Idaho has an index of 99.3 vs 94.6 for Ohio (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or Ohio?
Ohio is cheaper to live in. Idaho is 5% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $420,000 in Idaho vs $220,000 in Ohio.
Is Ohio cheaper than Idaho?
Yes, Ohio is 5% 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 Ohio?
Yes, Idaho is 5% more expensive than Ohio based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Ohio equals $100,000 in Idaho?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Idaho, you would need approximately $95,267 in Ohio. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (99.3 vs 94.6).
How do housing costs compare between Idaho and Ohio?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Ohio. Median home prices are $420,000 in Idaho vs $220,000 in Ohio — a $200,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,404/mo vs $1,226/mo.
What costs more in Idaho vs Ohio?
Utilities is 26% lower in Idaho (index 73 vs 98.3). Housing is 14% higher in Idaho (index 100.3 vs 87.6). Healthcare is 10% higher in Idaho (index 106.9 vs 97).
Is gas cheaper in Idaho or Ohio?
Gas averages $3.41/gallon in Idaho and $3.44/gallon in Ohio — a $0.03 difference per gallon.
Idaho vs Ohio cost of living — how do they compare?
Idaho has an overall cost-of-living index of 99.3 and Ohio has 94.6 (national average = 100). Idaho is 5% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Ohio?
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. Ohio moved to a flat 2.75% income tax in 2026 on income over $26,050, down from a progressive system. Many Ohio cities also levy local income taxes — Columbus charges 2.5%, Cleveland 2.0%, and Cincinnati 1.8%. These local taxes are not withheld automatically by out-of-city employers, so you may owe them separately. Use the Idaho vs Ohio 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 Ohio?
Idaho requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Ohio 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
- Ohio Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Idaho vs Ohio Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Idaho — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Ohio — How much house can you afford?
- Idaho Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Ohio Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Idaho Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Ohio Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Idaho Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Ohio 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.