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Writers and Authors Salary in Idaho: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Writers and Authors 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
$56,360
Median annual (2025)
+8.9%
Real Purchasing Power
$61,394
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 Writers and Authors earning $56,360 in Idaho has the equivalent purchasing power of $61,394 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) $44,660 $48,649 +$3,989
25th Percentile (P25) $48,770 $53,126 +$4,356
Median (P50) $56,360 $61,394 +$5,034
75th Percentile (P75) $69,120 $75,294 +$6,174
90th Percentile (P90) $108,890 $118,616 +$9,726
Key Insight

A Writers and Authors in Idaho earns $56,360 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 9% further — like earning $61,394 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 Writers and Authors, 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 $56,360 median salary translates to $61,394 in real terms — a 8.9% gain. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Writers and Authors.

Bottom-Quartile COL-Adjusted Pay

#37 / 43

Idaho ranks #37 of 43 — bottom quartile for Writers and Authors real purchasing power. Relocation, employer negotiation, or remote roles at higher-paying markets tend to generate the biggest ROI.

Best States for Writers and Authors (After Cost of Living)

Where does Writers and Authors salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$110,891
RPP 116.6
$99,361
RPP 105.0
$98,807
RPP 90.6
4. Vermont
$93,402
RPP 101.1
$92,537
RPP 106.4
$83,251
RPP 102.1
7. Indiana
$82,592
RPP 91.8
$80,467
RPP 96.2
$78,051
RPP 109.8
10. Georgia
$77,985
RPP 95.8

Idaho ranks #37 out of 43 states for Writers and Authors after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Writers and Authors take-home pay in Idaho after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Writers and Authors in Idaho after cost of living?

A Writers and Authors in Idaho earns a median salary of $56,360 per year. After adjusting for Idaho's cost of living (RPP=91.8), the real purchasing power is $61,394 — 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 Writers and Authors in Idaho: $56,360 x (100 / 91.8) = $61,394. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Writers and Authors in Idaho financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Writers and Authors 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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