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HEAD-TO-HEAD TAX COMPARISON · 2026

COUNTRY A Idaho VS COUNTRY B Montana

Side-by-side analysis of income tax, effective rates, and take-home pay for Idaho and Montana in 2026.

Daniel · CountryTaxCalc Updated May 2026 Tax Comparison 2026
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OVERVIEW
Idaho has a flat 5.3% income tax, while Montana charges progressive rates from 4.7% to 5.65%. Montana is cheaper on income tax at low to moderate incomes — paying $4,289 vs Idaho's $4,447 at $100K, saving $158/year. Idaho edges ahead above approximately $175,000 gross income. The bigger difference: …
Section 01

The Big Picture

Top-line rates and effective take-home for a typical earner — including income tax, social contributions, and applicable surcharges.
🥔
COUNTRY A
Idaho
TAX RATE
5.3%
Flat Rate
Flat 5.3% on all income
🏔️
COUNTRY B
Montana
TAX RATE
4.7-5.65%
Progressive (2 brackets)
4.7% on first $47,500; 5.65% above; no sales tax
TYPICAL ANNUAL DIFFERENCE
Moving from Montana → Idaho at $100,000
-$158 (MT saves $158 at $100K income)
That's -$13/month income only back in your pocket
Section 02

Tax Savings by Income Level

Net take-home after all income tax, social contributions, and surcharges — for a single employee with no dependents.
GROSS INCOME
🥔 ID TAX
🏔️ MT TAX
SAVINGS
10-YEAR
$50,000
$1,797
$1,593
-$204 (MT saves)
-$2,040
$100,000
$4,447
$4,289
-$158 (MT saves)
-$1,580
$200,000
$9,747
$9,939
$192 (ID saves)
$1,920
$500,000
$25,647
$26,889
$1,242 (ID saves)
$12,420
💡

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🥔

Idaho Pros & Cons

+ PROS
  • Lower property tax: 0.63% (vs MT 0.74%) saves $275-$1,100/year
  • Boise boom: Fastest-growing metro, tech hub (Micron, HP, Albertsons)
  • Cheaper housing: Boise median $485k (vs Bozeman $725k, 33% cheaper)
  • Milder climate: Boise winters warmer than MT (-5°F vs -30°F)
  • More jobs: Boise 765K metro (vs Bozeman 130K, Missoula 120K)
− CONS
  • Sales tax: 6.03% (vs MT 0%) costs $603/year on $10k spending
  • Higher income tax at most income levels: 5.3% flat exceeds MT's effective rate below ~$175K; at $100K, Idaho pays $4,447 vs Montana $4,289 — $158 more on income tax alone
  • Population boom: Housing crisis, traffic, locals priced out
  • Limited outdoor access: Not as dramatic as MT mountains/Glacier
  • Hot summers: 100°F+ regularly (vs MT milder)
🏔️

Montana Pros & Cons

+ PROS
  • No sales tax: $0 (vs ID 6.03%) saves $603/year on $10k spending
  • Lower income tax at most income levels: MT 4.7-5.65% two brackets saves $158 at $100K vs ID 5.3% flat; MT cheaper below ~$175K gross income
  • Dramatic scenery: Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, mountain ranges
  • University towns: Missoula/Bozeman have arts, culture, innovation
  • Outdoor paradise: World-class skiing, hiking, fishing
− CONS
  • Higher property tax: 0.74% (vs ID 0.63%) costs $275-$1,100 more/year
  • Expensive housing: Bozeman median $725k (vs Boise $485k, 33% more)
  • Harsh winters: -30°F, heavy snow (vs Boise milder -5°F)
  • Limited jobs: Smaller metros (Bozeman 130K, Missoula 120K vs Boise 765K)
  • Population boom: Housing crisis worse than ID, locals priced out
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Taxes are nearly identical—what's the real difference?

Sales tax vs no sales tax is the biggest difference. Montana has 0% sales tax (saves $603/year on $10k spending, $4,000+/year for typical households). Idaho has 6.03%. Montana also wins on income tax below ~$175K: at $100K, MT pays $4,289 vs ID $4,447 — MT saves $158. Idaho has lower property tax (0.63% vs MT 0.74%): on a $500k home, ID pays $3,150/year vs MT $3,700/year — $550/year savings. Net advantage for typical households: Montana, primarily from sales tax.

Boise vs Bozeman: which city is better for growth?

Boise wins for jobs and affordability: 765K metro (vs Bozeman 130K), diverse economy (tech, manufacturing, healthcare), housing 33% cheaper ($485k vs $725k), milder winters. Bozeman wins for: university town culture (Montana State), outdoor recreation (Yellowstone, skiing), natural beauty, no sales tax. Both see explosive growth from CA/WA refugees. Choose Boise for career. Choose Bozeman for lifestyle.

Is there significant Idaho-Montana migration?

Yes, bidirectional. In 2023, 4,872 people moved ID → MT and 3,847 moved MT → ID (net: MT gained 1,025). Migration drivers ID → MT: no sales tax, university towns, outdoor recreation, Bozeman tech boom. Migration drivers MT → ID: cheaper housing (Boise 33% cheaper), more jobs (Boise boom), milder weather. Both states primarily gain residents from California and Washington.

Which state is better for retirees?

Montana is modestly cheaper on income tax for most retirees: ID 5.3% flat vs MT 4.7-5.65% two-bracket means at $75K retirement income, MT pays $2,877 vs ID $3,122 — MT saves $245. Montana also has 0% sales tax vs ID 6.03% (saves $603/year on $10k spending). ID wins for: milder winters (Boise -5°F vs Bozeman -30°F), more healthcare options (larger metro), cheaper housing (33% cheaper). Choose based on climate tolerance — Boise winters are far milder.
From the brief
PT38.4%−9.6 vs. headline
CY17.8%incl. 60-day rule
AE 0.0%substance required
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