Idaho vs West Virginia: Take-Home Pay (2026)
Same salary, two tax codes — computed for tax year 2026, single filer with standard deduction.
Quick answer
According to netpaytally.com's computations, a $75,000 salary keeps $187 more per year in West Virginia than in Idaho ($58,913 vs $58,726, tax year 2026) — the entire gap comes from state tax, since federal and FICA are identical everywhere.
Idaho's single 5.3% rate meets West Virginia's 5-step ladder (up to 4.82%), and which system bites harder depends on where a salary sits. Below about $40,000 the ladder's low opening steps actually undercut the flat rate, so the winner flips there; from $75,000 upward West Virginia stays ahead — by $1,027 a year at $250,000. The federal share ($7,670 income tax, $5,738 FICA) cancels out of this comparison entirely.
| Salary | Idaho net | West Virginia net | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,813 | $40,834 | $21 |
| $75,000 | $58,726 | $58,913 | $187 |
| $100,000 | $74,988 | $75,295 | $307 |
| $150,000 | $106,949 | $107,496 | $547 |
| $250,000 | $171,041 | $172,067 | $1,027 |
| Idaho | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax type | Flat | Graduated |
| Top rate | 5.3% | 4.82% |
| State tax at $75,000 | $2,867 | $2,680 |
| Take-home rank | #33 of 51 | #29 of 51 |
Which state has better take-home pay, Idaho or West Virginia?
At $75,000, West Virginia keeps $187 more per year than Idaho ($58,913 vs $58,726, tax year 2026).
Why is take-home pay different if federal tax is the same?
Everything above the federal line is state policy: Idaho's one-rate system against West Virginia's bracket ladder. At $75,000 that structural difference is worth $187 a year.
Is West Virginia ahead at every salary level?
No — below about $40,000, Idaho actually keeps more, because a graduated ladder opens with lower rates than a flat tax. The advantage flips before $75,000 and widens to $1,027 at $250,000.
Which state ranks higher for take-home pay overall?
Idaho ranks #33 of 51 and West Virginia ranks #29 of 51 nationally for take-home pay at $75,000.
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