Idaho vs West Virginia Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $1,320/yr more in West Virginia

$110/mo · $51/paycheck more

Idaho
West Virginia

$57,321/yr in Idaho vs $58,641/yr in West Virginia.

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%

West Virginia

Take-home per paycheck

$2,255.42

$58,641/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$2,9524%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,64178%
Tax rates
Effective: 21.8%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.1%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Idaho is 13% higher than in West Virginia.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,321 in Idaho has the purchasing power of $64,682 in West Virginia terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Idaho comes out ahead by $6,041/yr.

Housing
Median home$420,000vs$170,000
Idaho
147% more
West Virginia
Avg 2BR rent$1,404/movs$997/mo
Idaho
41% more
West Virginia
Groceries
Index
Idaho
3% more
West Virginia
Transportation
Regular gas$3.41/galvs$3.41/gal
Idaho
West Virginia
Utilities
Electric bill$84/movs$98/mo
Idaho
West Virginia
16% more
Healthcare
Index
Idaho
12% more
West Virginia
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$9,630/yrvs$9,692/yr
Idaho
West Virginia
1% 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.

West Virginia: West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 5 brackets ranging from 2.36% to 5.12%.

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

Salary Idaho take-home West Virginia take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,508 $40,644 -$1,136
$75,000 $57,321 $58,641 -$1,320
$100,000 $73,485 $74,949 -$1,463
$150,000 $105,249 $107,000 -$1,751
$200,000 $137,537 $139,576 -$2,038
$300,000 $198,092 $200,705 -$2,613

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Idaho or West Virginia?

At a $100,000 salary, West Virginia results in $1,464 more annual take-home pay. Idaho has a flat state income tax of 5.70%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 5 brackets ranging from 2.36% to 5.12%.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $1,136/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,751/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $2,614/yr.

Do Idaho and West Virginia 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 West Virginia?

West Virginia is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Idaho is 11% higher than in West Virginia. Idaho's Regional Price Parity is 95.9 and West Virginia's is 86.7 (US average = 100).

Is West Virginia cheaper than Idaho?

Yes. West Virginia has a lower cost of living than Idaho (index 86.7 vs 95.9). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Idaho more expensive than West Virginia?

Yes. Idaho has a higher cost of living (index 95.9) compared to West Virginia (index 86.7). 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 $81,283 in West Virginia terms. Conversely, $74,949 in West Virginia equals $67,758 in Idaho terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Idaho comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 9% different between Idaho and West Virginia. Living costs are about 4% below the national average Living costs are 13% below the national average — one of the lowest in the US After taxes and cost of living, Idaho gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

Idaho requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. West Virginia 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 · West Virginia Paycheck Estimator · All states