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Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary in Idaho: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education 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
$32,800
Median annual (2025)
+8.9%
Real Purchasing Power
$35,729
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 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education earning $32,800 in Idaho has the equivalent purchasing power of $35,729 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) $26,500 $28,867 +$2,367
25th Percentile (P25) $29,980 $32,657 +$2,677
Median (P50) $32,800 $35,729 +$2,929
75th Percentile (P75) $39,220 $42,723 +$3,503
90th Percentile (P90) $46,950 $51,143 +$4,193
Key Insight

A Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Idaho earns $32,800 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 9% further — like earning $35,729 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 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education, 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 $32,800 median salary translates to $35,730 in real terms — a 8.9% gain. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education.

Bottom-Quartile COL-Adjusted Pay

#45 / 51

Idaho ranks #45 of 51 — bottom quartile for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education real purchasing power. Relocation, employer negotiation, or remote roles at higher-paying markets tend to generate the biggest ROI.

Best States for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education (After Cost of Living)

Where does Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$53,301
RPP 116.6
2. Kansas
$53,055
RPP 90.0
$52,383
RPP 89.8
$50,568
RPP 88.0
5. Vermont
$49,188
RPP 101.1
$48,428
RPP 91.0
7. Georgia
$45,845
RPP 95.8
8. Alaska
$45,225
RPP 102.0
$44,780
RPP 88.7
10. Colorado
$44,477
RPP 102.3

Idaho ranks #45 out of 51 states for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education take-home pay in Idaho after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Idaho after cost of living?

A Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Idaho earns a median salary of $32,800 per year. After adjusting for Idaho's cost of living (RPP=91.8), the real purchasing power is $35,729 — 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 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Idaho: $32,800 x (100 / 91.8) = $35,729. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Idaho financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education 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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