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Graphic Designers Salary in Idaho: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Graphic Designers salary really buy you in Idaho?

Idaho is 8.2% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$50,350
Median annual (2025)
+8.9%
Real Purchasing Power
$54,847
COL-adjusted (RPP=91.8)

Idaho Cost of Living Index

Idaho's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 91.8, meaning prices are 8.2% lower the national average. A Graphic Designers earning $50,350 in Idaho has the equivalent purchasing power of $54,847 in an average-cost US state.

ID: 91.8
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Idaho's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $32,900 $35,838 +$2,938
25th Percentile (P25) $40,930 $44,586 +$3,656
Median (P50) $50,350 $54,847 +$4,497
75th Percentile (P75) $64,550 $70,315 +$5,765
90th Percentile (P90) $82,140 $89,477 +$7,337
Key Insight

A Graphic Designers in Idaho earns $50,350 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 9% further — like earning $54,847 in an average-cost state. This makes Idaho one of the best value states for this occupation.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Idaho Runs Well Below National Cost

RPP 91.8

Idaho's Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 91.8 means a basket of goods and services costs about 8.2% less than the national average. For a Graphic Designers, every dollar earned effectively buys more here than in a 100-RPP state.

Meaningful Purchasing-Power Shift

+8.9%

After applying Idaho's RPP, the $50,350 median salary translates to $54,847 in real terms — a 8.9% gain. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Graphic Designers.

Bottom-Quartile COL-Adjusted Pay

#46 / 51

Idaho ranks #46 of 51 — bottom quartile for Graphic Designers real purchasing power. Relocation, employer negotiation, or remote roles at higher-paying markets tend to generate the biggest ROI.

Best States for Graphic Designers (After Cost of Living)

Where does Graphic Designers salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$75,403
RPP 116.6
$74,708
RPP 104.7
$71,877
RPP 107.6
$71,542
RPP 105.0
$70,822
RPP 102.1
$70,118
RPP 109.4
$68,327
RPP 106.4
$67,821
RPP 108.8
$66,782
RPP 112.5
$66,220
RPP 109.8

Idaho ranks #46 out of 51 states for Graphic Designers after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Graphic Designers take-home pay in Idaho after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Graphic Designers in Idaho after cost of living?

A Graphic Designers in Idaho earns a median salary of $50,350 per year. After adjusting for Idaho's cost of living (RPP=91.8), the real purchasing power is $54,847 — a +8.9% difference.

Is Idaho expensive to live in?

Idaho's cost of living is 8.2% lower than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Idaho is 91.8 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Graphic Designers in Idaho: $50,350 x (100 / 91.8) = $54,847. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Graphic Designers in Idaho financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Graphic Designers in Idaho enjoys 8.9% more buying power than the nominal salary suggests, because living costs are below the national average. However, other factors like job availability, career growth, and quality of life also matter.

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