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

This analysis treats a $100,000 salary as $100,000 in gross income. It strips away marketing hype to focus on purchasing power. In Twin Falls, this salary is well above the median household income, but taxes and inflation erode the nominal figure significantly.

1. The Verification Test

A gross salary of $100,000 does not equal $100,000 in your bank account. Here is the math for a single filer taking the standard deduction in 2023/2024 tax years.

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax: ~$13,838 (10% and 12% brackets applied to taxable income after standard deduction).
• FICA (Social Security + Medicare): $7,650 (7.65% flat on wages).
• Idaho State Tax: ~$4,600 (Idaho uses a progressive bracket system topping out at 6.5% for this income level).
• Estimated Net Pay (Annual): $73,912
• Estimated Net Pay (Monthly): $6,159

Purchasing Power Reality: You lose roughly 26% of your gross income to taxes immediately.

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

Using the monthly net pay of $6,159, here is how a standard budget allocation looks in Twin Falls.

Needs (50% = $3,079)

• Rent (1BR Avg): $806. This is the baseline. If you opt for a newer complex or 2BR, expect $1,100 - $1,300.
• Utilities: $250 - $350 (Includes power, water, internet). Power costs in the Magic Valley are generally reasonable but spike in summer/summer due to AC.
• Groceries: $400 - $500. Food inflation has hit Idaho hard; prices are not significantly lower than national averages.
• Transportation: $400 - $600 (Gas, insurance, maintenance). Public transit is limited; a car is mandatory.
• Remaining for Needs: $1,000+ (Covers health insurance premiums, debt payments, or higher rent).

Wants (30% = $1,847)

• This bucket covers dining out, entertainment, subscriptions, and travel. Twin Falls has a growing food scene, but options are limited compared to major metros. This surplus allows for a comfortable lifestyle, but not luxury.

Savings (20% = $1,231)

• Retirement/Investing: $1,231 monthly.
• Emergency Fund: Building a $20,000 emergency fund takes ~16 months at this savings rate, assuming no major setbacks.

3. Twin Falls Tax Context

Idaho is a moderate-tax state, not a low-tax haven.

• Vs. Texas/Florida: You pay ~$4,600 more in state income tax here than you would in Texas or Florida (which have 0% state income tax). However, property taxes in those states are often higher, though Idaho's are rising.
• Vs. California/NY: You save roughly $5,000 - $7,000 annually in state income tax compared to California or New York on a $100k salary.
• Sales Tax: Twin Falls City/County sales tax is roughly 6%. This is standard for the region but eats into disposable income.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
Yes. It provides financial security and the ability to save. However, it does not make you "wealthy" in the modern Twin Falls economy. Housing prices have decoupled from local wages, meaning $100k is required for a single person to live alone comfortably, rather than a luxury salary.

"Local income tax?"
No. Twin Falls does not levy a local income tax. Your income tax liability is solely to the Federal government and the State of Idaho.