Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Idaho to Montana
Idaho has a flat 5.8% income tax, while Montana charges progressive rates from 4.7% to 5.9%. Income taxes are nearly identical—Idaho saves $100/year on $100k income. The key difference: Idaho has 6.03% sales tax while Montana has NONE (0%). Property taxes favor Idaho (0.63% vs MT's 0.74%). Overall, tax differences are minimal—choose based on lifestyle and job opportunities. Both states see explosive growth from California/Washington refugees.
Flat Rate
Flat 5.8% on all income
Progressive
2 brackets, up to 5.9%
At $100,000 income:
That is $8/month back in your pocket!
| Income | ID Tax | MT Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $2,900 | $2,650 | -$250 | -$2,500 |
| $100,000 | $5,800 | $5,600 | -$200 | -$2,000 |
| $200,000 | $11,600 | $11,500 | -$100 | -$1,000 |
| $500,000 | $29,000 | $29,200 | $200 | $2,000 |
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Moving between Idaho and Montana? Multi-state returns are tricky—different tax structures, MT has no sales tax. Get matched with a CPA who specializes in Mountain West state moves.
⚠ Not for simple single-state returns. Free filing is fine for straightforward W-2 situations.
Get Matched With a CPA →Sales tax vs no sales tax. Montana has 0% sales tax (saves $603/year on $10k spending). Idaho has 6.03%. However, ID has lower property tax (0.63% vs MT 0.74%). On a $500k home, ID pays $3,150/year vs MT $3,700/year—difference of $550/year. Net advantage: Idaho wins by ~$53/year after factoring in sales tax + property tax. Essentially identical tax burden—choose based on lifestyle.
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.
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.
Nearly identical for taxes: ID 5.8% flat on retirement income, MT 5.6% effective. ID wins for: milder winters (Boise -5°F vs Bozeman -30°F), more healthcare options (larger metro), cheaper housing (33% cheaper). MT wins for: no sales tax (saves $603/year), dramatic scenery, university town culture. Choose based on climate tolerance—Boise winters are far milder.