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 Moscow at $927/mo and highest in Meridian at $1,805/mo.
Idaho at a Glance
Cities Tracked
14
with census data
Avg Cost Index
89.4
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,320
per month
Avg Household Income
$77,160
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| # | City | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boise City | 89.4 |
Most Expensive
| # | City | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boise City | 89.4 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Popular Cities in Idaho
Explore Idaho Cities in Depth
Climate & Weather in Idaho
Healthcare & Hospitals in Idaho
Neighborhoods in Idaho
Jobs & Industries in Idaho
Idaho Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Boise City | 237,242 | 89.4 | $1,446 | $484,800 | $83,904 |
| Meridian | 130,138 | — | $1,805 | $531,600 | $100,795 |
| Nampa | 110,319 | — | $1,420 | $370,800 | $74,279 |
| Idaho Falls | 67,725 | — | $1,075 | $335,500 | $73,110 |
| Caldwell | 66,516 | — | $1,264 | $367,300 | $73,058 |
| Pocatello | 57,635 | — | $948 | $271,000 | $60,418 |
| Coeur d'Alene | 56,447 | — | $1,468 | $483,500 | $72,338 |
| Twin Falls | 54,164 | — | $1,082 | $321,300 | $61,205 |
| Post Falls | 43,391 | — | $1,469 | $477,400 | $82,183 |
| Rexburg | 40,543 | — | $1,004 | $395,100 | $50,617 |
| Lewiston | 34,651 | — | $1,027 | $333,700 | $72,197 |
| Eagle | 32,855 | — | $1,765 | $772,900 | $122,894 |
| Kuna | 27,158 | — | $1,774 | $423,900 | $96,219 |
| Moscow | 26,286 | — | $927 | $376,400 | $57,022 |
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 89.4 (US average = 100), which is significantly below the US average, making it one of the more affordable states. Median gross rent averages around $1,320/month and median household income averages around $77,160/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 89.4).
What is the median rent in Idaho?
The average median gross rent across cities in Idaho is approximately $1,320/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Idaho?
State income tax information for Idaho is not yet available in our database.
What is the sales tax in Idaho?
Sales tax information for Idaho is not yet available in our database.
Is it expensive to move to Idaho?
Idaho has a cost of living index of approximately 89.4 and average median rent around $1,320/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: June 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology