Military Retirement in Idaho: Complete 2026 Tax Guide
FULL military retirement pay exemption
Quick Summary: Idaho Military Retirement Taxes (2026)
- ✓ Military retirement pay: 100% EXEMPT from state tax
- ✓ VA disability payments: Tax-free (federal and state)
- ✓ Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): Also fully exempt
- ✓ Social Security: Fully exempt in Idaho
- ✓ Property tax: Circuit breaker program + veteran exemptions
Why Idaho Is Excellent for Military Retirement
Idaho provides a FULL exemption on military retirement pay and also exempts Social Security benefits, making it one of the most tax-friendly states in the Mountain West. Combined with outdoor recreation, strong community values, and a growing economy, Idaho has become a top destination for military retirees.
The Gem State hosts Mountain Home Air Force Base (366th Fighter Wing), Gowen Field (Idaho Air National Guard), and the Naval Reactors Facility at Idaho National Laboratory. Over 120,000 veterans call Idaho home, enjoying access to stunning wilderness, world-class skiing, and tight-knit communities.
2026 Idaho Military Retirement Tax Breakdown
State Income Tax on Military Retirement Pay
100% Exempt!
Idaho exempts ALL military retirement pay from state income tax. This includes regular retirement, reserve retirement, and disability retirement from all branches. No age restrictions, no income limits - your entire military pension is tax-free.
VA Disability & Social Security
✓ Both Tax-Free!
VA disability payments are tax-exempt, and Idaho also fully exempts Social Security benefits from state income tax.
Other Tax Benefits for Idaho Veterans (2026)
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Property Tax |
|
| Sales Tax | 6% state (some groceries exempt). No local sales taxes. |
| Vehicle Registration | Disabled veteran plates, reduced fees for qualifying veterans |
| Hunting/Fishing | Reduced license fees for disabled veterans |
Real Example: How Much You'll Save in Idaho (2026)
Example Scenario: E-8 Retired After 24 Years
- • Military retirement pay: $3,400/month ($40,800/year)
- • VA disability (40%): $735/month ($8,820/year)
- • Social Security: $1,800/month ($21,600/year)
- • Part-time job: $15,000/year
Idaho (100% Exempt)
Military retirement: $0 state tax
Social Security: $0 state tax
Only civilian income taxed (~$850)
State tax: ~$850
California (Full Tax)
Much of income taxed
State tax: ~$4,500+
Annual Idaho Savings: $3,650+
Cost of Living in Idaho (2026)
Idaho's cost of living varies by region:
| Area | vs. National Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Home | -5% lower | Near AFB, $320K median home |
| Boise Metro | +10% higher | State capital, $480K median home |
| Idaho Falls | Average | Near INL, $380K median home |
| Coeur d'Alene | +15% higher | Resort area, $580K median home |
Major Military Installations in Idaho
✈️ Mountain Home Air Force Base
- Located in Mountain Home
- 366th Fighter Wing
- F-15E Strike Eagles
- 4,000+ military personnel
- Largest employer in Elmore County
🛡️ Gowen Field (IDANG)
- Located in Boise
- 124th Fighter Wing
- A-10 Thunderbolt II
- Idaho Air National Guard HQ
⚛️ Naval Reactors Facility
- Idaho National Laboratory
- Nuclear propulsion research
- Navy presence in eastern Idaho
- Civilian contractor opportunities
🎖️ Idaho National Guard
- Units across the state
- Army & Air National Guard
- Orchard Combat Training Center
- Strong Guard community
Best Cities in Idaho for Military Retirees (2026)
| City | Nearby Base | Median Home | Why It's Great |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Home | Mountain Home AFB | $320,000 | Most affordable, base access, military community |
| Boise | Gowen Field | $480,000 | State capital, VA hospital, job market, culture |
| Meridian | Gowen Field | $500,000 | Family-friendly suburb, excellent schools |
| Idaho Falls | INL/NRF | $380,000 | Near Yellowstone, INL jobs, VA clinic |
| Nampa | Gowen Field | $420,000 | More affordable Boise suburb, wine country |
VA Healthcare in Idaho
- Boise VA Medical Center - Full-service hospital, surgical center
- Idaho Falls VA Clinic - Eastern Idaho services
- Twin Falls VA Clinic - Magic Valley region
- Pocatello VA Clinic - Southeast Idaho
- Community-Based Outpatient Clinics - Caldwell, Mountain Home, Lewiston, Coeur d'Alene, and more
- Mountain Home AFB Clinic - TRICARE services on base
Education Benefits for Veterans & Families in Idaho
Idaho offers education benefits including the Idaho Armed Forces and Public Safety Scholarship and in-state tuition for all veterans.
Idaho Armed Forces Scholarship
FREE Tuition for Dependents
Children and spouses of Idaho National Guard members, public safety officers killed or disabled in the line of duty, or POW/MIA service members receive free tuition at Idaho public colleges.
Idaho University Tuition Rates (2026)
| Institution | In-State | Out-of-State | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | ~$8,500 | ~$26,000 | $17,500/yr |
| University of Idaho | ~$9,000 | ~$28,000 | $19,000/yr |
| Idaho State University | ~$8,200 | ~$24,500 | $16,300/yr |
Official Resources: Idaho Division of Veterans Services
Pros and Cons of Retiring in Idaho
✅ Pros
- ✓ FULL military retirement tax exemption
- ✓ Social Security also tax-free
- ✓ Low crime rates
- ✓ Stunning outdoor recreation
- ✓ Four-season climate
- ✓ Strong community values
- ✓ Growing economy and job market
- ✓ Near Yellowstone & Sun Valley
- ✓ Friendly, welcoming communities
- ✓ No local income taxes
❌ Cons
- ✗ Boise housing costs have risen
- ✗ Cold, snowy winters
- ✗ Limited urban amenities outside Boise
- ✗ Only one major AFB
- ✗ Limited direct flights
- ✗ VA healthcare can require travel
- ✗ Wildfire smoke in summer
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Idaho tax military retirement pay?
No. Idaho provides a FULL exemption for all military retirement pay. Your entire pension is tax-free at the state level.
Does Idaho tax Social Security?
No. Idaho fully exempts Social Security benefits from state income tax.
What military bases are in Idaho?
Idaho's main installation is Mountain Home Air Force Base (366th Fighter Wing). The state also has Gowen Field (Idaho Air National Guard) in Boise and the Naval Reactors Facility at Idaho National Laboratory.
Is Mountain Home a good place for military retirees?
Yes! Mountain Home offers the most affordable housing in the state (~$320K median), direct base access, a strong military community, and all of Idaho's tax benefits. It's about 45 minutes from Boise.
Calculate Your Idaho Retirement Income
See exactly what you'll keep with 100% tax-exempt military retirement & Social Security
Use the Free Calculator →Bottom Line for Idaho Military Retirement
Idaho offers full military retirement and Social Security tax exemptions, making it one of the best states for military retirees. Combined with stunning natural beauty, world-class outdoor recreation, and strong community values, Idaho is an excellent choice. Mountain Home near the AFB offers the most affordable option, while Boise provides urban amenities and the state's VA medical center.