Idaho vs Massachusetts Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
$

You take home $521/yr more in Massachusetts

$43/mo · $20/paycheck more

Idaho
Massachusetts

$57,321/yr in Idaho vs $57,843/yr in Massachusetts.

Idaho

Take-home per paycheck

$2,204.66

$57,321/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$4,2716%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,32176%
Tax rates
Effective: 23.6%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.7%

Massachusetts

Take-home per paycheck

$2,224.71

$57,843/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,7505%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,84377%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.0%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Idaho is 33% lower than in Massachusetts.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,321 in Idaho has the purchasing power of $38,330 in Massachusetts terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead by $19,513/yr.

Housing
Median home$420,000vs$620,000
Idaho
Massachusetts
48% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,404/movs$3,094/mo
Idaho
Massachusetts
120% more
Groceries
Index
Idaho
Massachusetts
4% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.41/galvs$3.41/gal
Idaho
Massachusetts
Utilities
Electric bill$84/movs$212/mo
Idaho
Massachusetts
152% more
Healthcare
Index
Idaho
Massachusetts
26% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$9,630/yrvs$26,709/yr
Idaho
Massachusetts
177% more

Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.

Tax system comparison

Idaho: Idaho has a flat state income tax of 5.70%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

Massachusetts: Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%.

Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)

Salary Idaho take-home Massachusetts take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,508 $39,855 -$347
$75,000 $57,321 $57,843 -$521
$100,000 $73,485 $74,180 -$695
$150,000 $105,249 $106,291 -$1,042
$200,000 $137,537 $138,927 -$1,390
$300,000 $198,092 $200,177 -$2,085

Positive values mean higher take-home in Idaho. Assumes single filer, no deductions.

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Idaho or Massachusetts?

At a $100,000 salary, Massachusetts results in $695 more annual take-home pay. Idaho has a flat state income tax of 5.70%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%.

How much more do you take home in Massachusetts vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $348/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,043/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $2,085/yr.

Do Idaho and Massachusetts have the same federal taxes?

Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.

Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or Massachusetts?

Idaho is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Idaho is 13% lower than in Massachusetts. Idaho's Regional Price Parity is 95.9 and Massachusetts's is 110.8 (US average = 100).

Is Idaho cheaper than Massachusetts?

Yes. Idaho has a lower cost of living than Massachusetts (index 95.9 vs 110.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Massachusetts more expensive than Idaho?

Yes. Massachusetts has a higher cost of living (index 110.8) compared to Idaho (index 95.9). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.

After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?

At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $73,485 in Idaho has the purchasing power of $63,603 in Massachusetts terms. Conversely, $74,180 in Massachusetts equals $85,705 in Idaho terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead.

Idaho vs Massachusetts cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 15% different between Idaho and Massachusetts. Living costs are about 4% below the national average Living costs are 11% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Idaho and Massachusetts?

Idaho requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Massachusetts 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. Each state has its own tax return form — check your state's department of revenue website for the correct form and e-filing options.

Related tools

Idaho Paycheck Estimator · Massachusetts Paycheck Estimator · All states