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Tax year 2026 · state vs state

Idaho vs Montana Income Tax Comparison (2026)

On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $10 less state income tax a year in Idaho than in Montana, which is about $1 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $272 in favor of Idaho.

Idaho: 5.3% flatMontana: up to 5.65%Updated October 10, 2026

Compare Idaho and Montana for your income

Estimate for education only, not tax advice. 2026 federal and state rules, standard deductions, no local taxes. How we calculate.

State comparison

Comparing 2 states, sorted by lowest overall tax rate.

1Idaho

Lowest

21.7%

Overall effective tax rate

  • Net
  • Federal
  • State
  • FICA
Federal income tax
$7,670
State income tax
$2,867
Payroll tax (FICA)
$5,738
Total tax
$16,274
Net income (annual)
$58,726

2Montana

21.7%

Overall effective tax rate

  • Net
  • Federal
  • State
  • FICA
Federal income tax
$7,670
State income tax
$2,877
Payroll tax (FICA)
$5,738
Total tax
$16,284
Net income (annual)
$58,716

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💰 Monthly breakdown

Your take-home pay, spread across the year

Idaho

Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,356
Monthly take-home$4,894

Montana

Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,357
Monthly take-home$4,893

Estimates use 2026 federal and state rates, the standard deduction for your filing status and no local taxes. Rankings use state income tax only.

Idaho vs Montana: how the two systems differ

IdahoMontana
Wage income taxFlat 5.3%Progressive, 2 brackets
Top rate5.3%5.65%
Lowest rate5.3%4.7%
Deductions and credits (single)$16,100 standard deduction$16,100 standard deduction

State income tax and take-home pay at every salary

The same salary can leave you with different take-home pay depending on the state. This table applies each state’s 2026 rules to a single filer with no pre-tax contributions.

IncomeID state taxMT state taxDifferenceID take-homeMT take-home
$30,000$482$653$172 less in Idaho$25,803$25,632
$40,000$1,012$1,123$112 less in Idaho$33,308$33,197
$50,000$1,542$1,593$52 less in Idaho$40,813$40,762
$60,000$2,072$2,063$8 less in Montana$48,318$48,327
$75,000$2,867$2,877$10 less in Idaho$58,726$58,716
$100,000$4,192$4,289$97 less in Idaho$74,988$74,891
$150,000$6,842$7,114$272 less in Idaho$106,949$106,677
$250,000$12,142$12,764$622 less in Idaho$171,040$170,418

Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.

Married filing jointly

IncomeID state taxMT state taxDifferenceID take-homeMT take-home
$75,000$1,758$2,012$253 less in Idaho$62,864$62,611
$100,000$3,083$3,187$103 less in Idaho$81,627$81,523
$150,000$5,733$5,753$20 less in Idaho$117,452$117,432
$250,000$11,033$11,403$370 less in Idaho$186,435$186,065

Married filing jointly, 2026, federal standard deduction. Uses each state's joint brackets where they differ.

Does the lower-tax state change as income rises?

For a single filer, Idaho and Montana charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Idaho is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $60,000, so the better state depends on where your income falls.

Rates side by side

Idaho (single filers)

5.3%Over $4,811

Montana (single filers)

4.7%Up to $47,500
5.65%Over $47,500

Full details for each state: Idaho income tax calculator and Montana income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.

Idaho vs Montana FAQ

Which has lower income tax, Idaho or Montana?+

Idaho is lower at $75,000: $2,867 of state income tax versus $2,877 in Montana. At $150,000 it is $6,842 in Idaho and $7,114 in Montana. For a single filer, Idaho and Montana charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Idaho is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $60,000, so the better state depends on where your income falls.

How much more do I keep on $100,000 in Idaho versus Montana?+

A single filer keeping $74,988 a year in Idaho would keep $74,891 in Montana after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $97 a year, or $8 a month.

How do the Idaho and Montana income tax systems differ?+

Idaho uses a flat 5.3% rate; Montana uses progressive rates up to 5.65%. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.

Are local taxes included in this Idaho vs Montana comparison?+

No. It covers federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and state income tax only. City, county, sales and property taxes are not included, and they can change the real cost of living in each state.

Should I move from Idaho to Montana to save on taxes?+

State income tax is one cost among many. Property and sales taxes, housing, insurance and wages also differ, and you may owe tax to both states in the year you move. Use this comparison as one input and confirm details with a tax professional.

Sources

Last checked October 10, 2026. Confirm with your state tax agency before filing.

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Estimates for education only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Not a substitute for a tax professional or your state revenue department.