Salary Needed to Live in Idaho Falls as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $68,144/year to live comfortably in Idaho Falls, ID, including 12% savings.
Direct Answer
A couple (no kids) needs about $68,144/year to live comfortably in Idaho Falls, ID. The bare-minimum salary is $56,942/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 12% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $4,029.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,464/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $5,679/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$68,144
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$56,942
$4,745/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,464
22% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Idaho Falls
| Expense | Idaho Falls | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $914 | $1,641 | -44% |
| Groceries | $400 | $320 | +25% |
| Utilities | $186 | $225 | -17% |
| Transportation | $267 | $421 | -37% |
| Car Insurance | $168 | $215 | -22% |
| Health Insurance | $660 | $642 | +3% |
| Internet | $59 | $65 | -9% |
| Phone (x2) | $126 | $140 | -10% |
| Dining & Social | $405 | $450 | -10% |
| Entertainment | $162 | $180 | -10% |
| Personal Care (x2) | $117 | $130 | -10% |
| Total Monthly | $3,464 | $4,429 | -22% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,464
Target savings (12%):$565/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$4,029
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$68,144
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$914
1-2BR Apartment rent is 26% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus ID state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
12%
$565/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
90/100
Idaho Falls is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby west Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 1-2br apartment housing near $914/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $869/mo for persona-specific costs such as Internet and Phone (x2).
- Use $56,942/year as the survival floor and $68,144/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Idaho Falls
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Idaho Falls?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $68,144/year ($5,679/month gross) to live comfortably in Idaho Falls with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Idaho Falls?
A 1-2br apartment in Idaho Falls costs approximately $914/month, which is the largest single expense at 26% of the total budget.
Is Idaho Falls affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Yes, Idaho Falls is 22% more affordable than the national average for a couple (no kids).