The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Coeur d'Alene

This guide strips away the marketing hype. $100,000 is a benchmark salary, but its value is determined by taxes and local costs. We analyze the reality of this income in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

1. The Verification Test

A salary is defined by what hits your bank account. We calculate the net pay from a $100,000 nominal salary based on 2024 tax brackets (filing as Single, Standard Deduction).

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax: ~$14,029
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): ~$7,650
• Idaho State Tax: ~$4,710 (Estimated based on progressive brackets topping out at 6.5%)
• Total Tax Burden: ~$26,389
• Net Pay (Take-Home): $73,611 / year ($6,134 / month)

Verdict: You do not have $100,000 to spend. You have $73,611.

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20 Rule)

Using the Net Pay of $6,134 monthly, here is the hard math for Coeur d'Alene.

Needs (50%): $3,067

• Rent (1BR Average): $1,042
• Utilities (Electric, Heat, Water): $200 (Est.)
• Groceries: $450
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance): $350
• Remaining for Needs: $1,025 (Covers debt payments, phone, internet, or medical).

Wants (30%): $1,840

• This is your discretionary spending. Dining out, entertainment, travel, and hobbies must fit here.
• Caveat: If you have high student loans or a car payment, this category is the first to be raided.

Savings (20%): $1,226

• This is your wealth-building capacity.
• Scenario: Contributing $23,000 to a 401(k) (Max) lowers your taxable income to $77,000.
  • New Net Pay: $5,680 / month.
  • Savings Rate: $1,226 / month.
  • Result: You hit the max retirement contribution, but your monthly cash flow drops by $454.

3. Coeur d'Alene Tax Context

Idaho is not a tax haven, but it is not California.

• Vs. No-Tax States (TX/FL): You pay ~$4,710 in state income tax here. In Austin or Orlando, that money stays in your pocket. You need a salary $5,000 higher in those cities to break even on state taxes alone.
• Vs. High-Tax States (CA/NY): In California, that same $100k salary faces ~$6,500 in state tax (plus higher local costs). Idaho saves you ~$1,800 annually compared to CA, but the lack of sales tax in OR (just across the border) is a tangible benefit for Coeur d'Alene residents.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
It is a survivable salary with a margin for savings, but it is not "wealthy." You will have an average lifestyle. You will struggle to save for a down payment on a median-priced home (~$550k) while paying current rent rates without aggressive budgeting.

"Local income tax?"
No. Coeur d'Alene does not levy a local income tax. Your tax burden is strictly Federal and State (Idaho).