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Cost of Living in Idaho

Is it better to rent or buy in Idaho? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$81,907
$1,346/mo

Median in area: $1,346

$435,257

Median in area: $435,257

$87,051

If you Rent

🔑
$1,510 /mo
Base Rent$1,346
Est. Utilities$164
% of Income22.1%
Pre-tax Residual$5,316

If you Buy

🏠
$2,700 /mo
P&I (6.835%)$2,278
Taxes & Ins$258
Est. Utilities$164
% of Income39.6%
Pre-tax Residual$4,125

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Idaho?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Idaho. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,510, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,700 per month (a difference of $1,190).

How much do utilities cost in Idaho?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Idaho is approximately $164. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Idaho?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Idaho without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $60,400 per year.