The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Idaho Falls

Anti-marketing reality check: $100k sounds like a milestone, but in Idaho Falls, it's a functional middle-class income. This guide strips the hype and runs the numbers. We're using $100,000 as gross annual salary. All figures are estimates for a single filer in 2023-2024; verify with a tax pro.

1. The Verification Test

Your $100,000 gross salary doesn't hit your bank account. Taxes slice it down immediately. Here's the breakdown for Idaho Falls (no city income tax in Idaho, but state applies):

• Federal Tax: $14,000 (effective rate ~14%; brackets vary).
• FICA (Social Security + Medicare): $7,650 (7.65% flat on wages).
• Idaho State Tax: $5,000 (estimated 5% flat-ish; Idaho has progressive brackets but averages around this for $100k—much lower than California/NY, higher than Texas/Florida at 0%).
• Net Pay (Annual): $73,350 ($6,112 monthly).

This is take-home before any deductions like 401(k) or health insurance. If you itemize or have credits, it might shift slightly, but don't count on it.

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

The 50/30/20 rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings) is a guideline, not a luxury. Using your net $73,350:

• Needs (50% = $36,675 annually / $3,056 monthly):

  • Rent (1BR avg in Idaho Falls): $903 monthly ($10,836 annually). Covers basics.
  • Utilities (electric, gas, water, internet): $200 monthly ($2,400 annually).
  • Groceries + Transport: $1,200 monthly ($14,400 annually). Car payment/gas included; public transit is sparse.
  • Health Insurance (if employer doesn't cover fully): $300 monthly ($3,600 annually). Leaves $5,439 buffer for misc. needs like phone or insurance.

• Wants (30% = $22,005 annually / $1,834 monthly):

  • Dining out, entertainment, hobbies, travel. At $1,834/month, this is modest—think local breweries over Vegas trips. Excess? It cannibalizes savings.

• Savings (20% = $14,670 annually / $1,222 monthly):

  • Emergency fund, retirement (IRA/401k), or debt payoff. In Idaho Falls, this builds slowly; a major car repair or medical bill wipes it out.

If rent creeps to $1,200 (trendy areas), your needs balloon to 60%, squeezing everything else. This budget assumes no kids, no debt—real life adds friction.

3. Idaho Falls Tax Context

Idaho's state income tax is moderate: progressive, topping at 6.5% for high earners, but $100k lands you around 5% effective ($5,000). No local income tax.

• Vs. Low-Tax States (Texas/Florida): Zero state tax means $5,000 more net pay (net ~$78,350). Idaho's lower property taxes (avg $1,500/year on a home) partially offset, but sales tax (6% + locals) hits harder on daily spending.
• Vs. High-Tax States (California/NY): CA could claw $10,000+ from $100k (net ~$65,000); NY similar. Idaho's $5,000 is a win, but don't move here just for taxes—salaries are lower too.

Idaho Falls is sales-tax heavy (no income relief if you're from zero-tax states), and property is rising, but overall burden is light compared to coasts.

4. FAQ

Q: Is $100k good here?
A: It's solid but not balling. Median household income in Idaho Falls is ~$70,000, so you're above average, but inflation and housing (now $903 rent, up 10% YoY) erode it. You'll live comfortably solo, but family/kids push you to dual incomes or budget stress.

Q: Local income tax?
A: None. Idaho has state tax (~5% on $100k), but Idaho Falls (city/county) adds zero income levy. Focus on sales (7% total) and property taxes instead.