The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Post Falls, ID

This guide strips away the financial optimism. $100,000 is a nominal figure; the only number that matters is what hits your bank account after the government takes its share. We analyze the reality of this salary in Post Falls against the hard math of taxation and local costs.

1. The Verification Test

Before discussing lifestyle, we must determine the Net Pay. A gross salary of $100,000 is significantly reduced by mandatory deductions.

• Gross Annual Salary: $100,000
• Federal Income Tax: Estimated at $14,000 (Standard deduction, no dependents).
• FICA (Social Security/Medicare): $7,650 (Fixed rate).
• Idaho State Income Tax: Estimated at $4,500 (Flat rate of approx 4.5% after deductions).
• Total Deductions: $26,150
• Estimated Net Annual Pay: $73,850
• Estimated Monthly Net Pay: $6,154

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20)

Using the $6,154 monthly net pay, the standard 50/30/20 budget allocates funds as follows. Note that "Post Falls Rents" are currently volatile; the placeholder $None reflects a lack of standardized, affordable inventory rather than $0 cost.

• Needs (50% - $3,077):
  • Rent (1BR): $1,200 - $1,450 (Market rate, excludes luxury units).
  • Utilities/Internet: $200 - $300.
  • Groceries: $400.
  • Car/Insurance/Gas: $600 (Essential in Kootenai County).
  • Remaining Buffer: $200.
• Wants (30% - $1,846):
  • Discretionary spending. This covers dining out, entertainment, and hobbies.
• Savings (20% - $1,231):
  • This is your retirement, emergency fund, or down payment accumulation.

3. Post Falls Tax Context

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

• Vs. High-Tax (California/NY): You save roughly $8,000 - $10,000 annually in state income tax compared to CA/NY brackets on the same salary.
• Vs. No-Tax (Texas/Florida): You pay roughly $4,500 more annually in state income tax than you would in TX or FL. However, Idaho does not have high property tax rates, which offsets the income tax burden slightly compared to Texas.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
It is a survivable salary, but not a "wealth" salary. It places you in the top tier of individual earners locally, but high housing costs relative to the net income mean you are not "rich." You will have a comfortable apartment and a functional savings rate, but you are not insulated from economic shocks.

"Local income tax?"
No. Post Falls (Kootenai County) does not levy a local income tax. Your tax burden is strictly Federal and State (Idaho).