The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Pocatello

This guide analyzes the real value of a $100,000 annual salary in Pocatello, Idaho. It focuses on net income, purchasing power, and strict budgeting. All figures are estimates for a single filer using standard deduction (2024 tax rates).

1. The Verification Test: From Gross to Net

A salary is defined by what hits your bank account, not the number on your offer letter.

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax: ~$13,948 (Marginal bracket 24%)
• FICA (Social Security/Medicare): ~$7,650 (Fixed 7.65%)
• Idaho State Income Tax: $4,850 (Estimated effective rate **5.5%**; ID has a progressive bracket topping at 6.5%)

Estimated Net Pay (Annual): ~$73,552
Estimated Net Pay (Monthly): ~$6,129

Note: Idaho taxes capital gains as ordinary income.

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

Using your monthly net pay of $6,129, here is the breakdown based on Pocatello costs.

Needs (50%): $3,064

• Rent (1BR): $751
• Utilities (Electric, Heat, Water): $200
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Gas/Insurance: $600
• Health Insurance (Employee Contribution): $300
• Remaining Buffer: $813

Wants (30%): $1,838

• Entertainment, dining out, subscriptions, and travel.
• Pocatello Context: This amount is significant relative to local COL. You can live comfortably here on this discretionary budget.

Savings (20%): $1,226

• Retirement (401k/IRA), Emergency Fund, or Investments.
• Reality Check: This assumes zero debt. If you have student loans or a high car note, this category dissolves immediately.

3. Pocatello Tax Context

Idaho is not a tax haven, but it is a "middle-of-the-road" state compared to the extremes.

• Vs. High-Tax (California/NY): You save roughly $7,000 annually in state income tax compared to CA/NY, but you likely sacrifice high-salary opportunities.
• Vs. No-Tax (Texas/Florida): You pay roughly $4,850 more in state tax than you would in TX or FL.
• The Trade-off: The lack of state income tax in TX/FL often correlates with higher property taxes. Idaho property tax is moderate, but sales tax in Pocatello (combined city/county/state) is roughly 6%.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"

Yes. It is a high salary for the local market. It provides significant purchasing power relative to the median household income. You will live comfortably, provided you do not inflate your lifestyle to match HCOL city standards.

"Local income tax?"

No. Pocatello does not levy a local income tax. Your tax burden is strictly Federal and State of Idaho.