Cost of Living in Idaho
Idaho has 14 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Median rent is lowest in Pocatello at $861/mo and highest in Eagle at $1,753/mo.
Idaho at a Glance
Cities Tracked
14
with census data
Avg Cost Index
91.1
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,232
per month
Avg Household Income
$74,339
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Boise City | 91.1 | $1,359 |
Most Expensive
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Boise City | 91.1 | $1,359 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in Idaho
State Income Tax
5.80%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
6.00%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in Idaho
Idaho Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Boise City | 235,701 | 91.1 | $1,359 | $456,000 | $81,308 |
| Meridian | 124,865 | — | $1,714 | $485,000 | $98,686 |
| Nampa | 106,289 | — | $1,340 | $332,500 | $72,122 |
| Idaho Falls | 66,672 | — | $992 | $298,600 | $69,630 |
| Caldwell | 63,465 | — | $1,135 | $322,100 | $66,663 |
| Pocatello | 57,152 | — | $861 | $240,600 | $57,931 |
| Coeur d'Alene | 55,558 | — | $1,328 | $451,600 | $70,845 |
| Twin Falls | 53,219 | — | $1,011 | $279,400 | $60,760 |
| Post Falls | 41,716 | — | $1,313 | $425,100 | $73,313 |
| Rexburg | 39,589 | — | $959 | $384,000 | $50,359 |
| Lewiston | 34,471 | — | $938 | $290,900 | $71,047 |
| Eagle | 31,490 | — | $1,753 | $711,500 | $118,037 |
| Kuna | 25,960 | — | $1,647 | $403,700 | $93,545 |
| Moscow | 25,868 | — | $902 | $352,000 | $56,497 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare Idaho cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Idaho cities stack up across the US. For example, Boise City vs Meridian.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Idaho
What is the cost of living in Idaho?
The average cost of living index across cities in Idaho is approximately 91.1 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,232/month and median household income averages around $74,339/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Idaho?
The most affordable cities in Idaho by cost of living index are: 1. Boise City (index 91.1).
What is the median rent in Idaho?
The average median gross rent across cities in Idaho is approximately $1,232/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Idaho?
Idaho's top marginal state income tax rate is 5.80%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in Idaho?
Idaho's statewide sales tax rate is 6.00%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to Idaho?
Idaho has a cost of living index of approximately 91.1 and average median rent around $1,232/month. It is generally more affordable than the US average, which can offset moving costs over time. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology