Utah has a flat 4.65% income tax, while Idaho charges a flat 5.8% rate. Living in Utah saves $1,150/year on $100k income compared to Idaho. Property taxes are nearly identical (UT 0.56% vs ID 0.63%), and sales taxes are similar (UT 7.19% vs ID 6.03%). Overall, Utah offers slight tax advantages, plus a larger job market (Salt Lake metro 2.8M vs Boise 765K) and stronger economy. Both states see explosive growth from California refugees.

By Daniel, Founder of CountryTaxCalc

Daniel has spent 5+ years researching tax systems across 95+ countries and all US states to make tax comparison accessible to everyone. For corrections, contact us.

Last Updated: April 2026

The Big Picture

⛰️ Utah

4.65%

Flat Rate

Flat 4.65% on all income

🥔 Idaho

5.8%

Flat Rate

Flat 5.8% on all income

Typical Annual Savings

At $100,000 income:

$1,150

That is $96/month back in your pocket!

Tax Savings by Income Level

IncomeUT TaxID TaxSavings10-Year
$50,000 $2,325$2,900$575$5,750
$100,000 $4,650$5,800$1,150$11,500
$200,000 $9,300$11,600$2,300$23,000
$500,000 $23,250$29,000$5,750$57,500
💡

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Utah Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

  • Lower income tax: 4.65% flat (vs ID 5.8%) saves $1,150 on $100k
  • Lower property tax: 0.56% (vs ID 0.63%) saves $175-$700/year
  • Bigger job market: Salt Lake 2.8M metro (vs Boise 765K, 3.7x larger)
  • Tech hub: Silicon Slopes (Adobe, Qualtrics, growing startup scene)
  • Outdoor recreation: World-class skiing (Park City, Alta, Snowbird)

❌ Cons

  • Higher sales tax: 7.19% (vs ID 6.03%) costs $116 more/year
  • More expensive: Salt Lake median $570k (vs Boise $485k, 15% cheaper)
  • Worse air quality: Salt Lake winter inversions trap pollution
  • Liquor laws: Utah has restrictive alcohol laws
  • Less diverse: 78% white, Mormon culture dominance

Idaho Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

  • Lower sales tax: 6.03% (vs UT 7.19%) saves $116/year
  • Cheaper housing: Boise median $485k (vs Salt Lake $570k, 15% cheaper)
  • Better air quality: No inversion issues like Salt Lake
  • More relaxed culture: Less dominant religious influence
  • Growing tech scene: Boise boom (Micron, HP, startups)

❌ Cons

  • Higher income tax: 5.8% flat (vs UT 4.65%) costs $1,150 on $100k
  • Higher property tax: 0.63% (vs UT 0.56%) costs $175-$700 more/year
  • Smaller job market: Boise 765K metro (vs Salt Lake 2.8M, 3.7x smaller)
  • Population boom: Housing crisis, rapid growth, infrastructure strain
  • Hot summers: 100°F+ regularly (vs Salt Lake similar)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much will I save living in Utah vs Idaho?

On $100,000 income, Utah saves $1,150/year in income tax (UT 4.65% vs ID 5.8%). UT also has lower property tax (0.56% vs ID 0.63%). On a $500k home, UT pays $2,800/year vs ID $3,150/year—difference of $350/year. However, ID has lower sales tax (6.03% vs UT 7.19%). Net savings: $1,384/year in Utah. Over 10 years: $13,840.

Q: Salt Lake City vs Boise: which city is better for tech workers?

Salt Lake wins for career: Silicon Slopes (Adobe, Qualtrics, Domo), larger job market (2.8M vs 765K), more networking, higher salaries. Utah also has lower taxes ($1,384/year savings at $100k). Boise wins for: cheaper housing (15% cheaper), better air quality (no inversions), more relaxed culture, less crowded. Both see explosive California refugee influx. Choose SLC for career max. Choose Boise for affordability.

Q: Is there significant migration between Utah and Idaho?

Yes, but more ID → UT migration surprisingly. In 2023, 4,872 people moved ID → UT and 3,847 moved UT → ID (net: UT gained 1,025). Migration drivers ID → UT: better jobs (Silicon Slopes), lower taxes ($1,384/year), world-class skiing. Migration drivers UT → ID: cheaper housing (Boise 15% cheaper), better air quality, escaping Mormon culture. Both states primarily gain residents from California.

Q: Which state is better for families?

Utah wins for families: better schools (UT #10 vs ID #24), larger job market, lower taxes ($1,384/year savings), world-class skiing. However, Utah has higher cost of living (15% more expensive) and air quality issues (winter inversions). Idaho wins for: cheaper housing, better air quality, more relaxed culture. Choose UT for career/schools. Choose ID for affordability.

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