Cost of Living in Idaho
Overall index: 99.3 — ranked #23 of 51 (near the national average).
Where your money goes in Idaho
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Idaho
Estimated annual spending: $65,174($9,826 remaining)
What things cost in Idaho
| Item | Idaho | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $420,000 | $360,000 | +$60,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,404/mo | $1,400/mo | +$4 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.41/gal | $3.50/gal | $0.09 |
| Electric bill | $84/mo | $137/mo | $53 |
| Infant childcare | $9,630/yr | $13,500/yr | $3,870 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.90 | $4.95 | $0.05 |
| Monthly groceries | $405/mo | $410/mo | $5 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Idaho vs national average
What a salary in Idaho is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,650 | $-350 |
| $75,000 | $74,475 | $-525 |
| $100,000 | $99,300 | $-700 |
| $125,000 | $124,125 | $-875 |
| $150,000 | $148,950 | $-1,050 |
| $200,000 | $198,600 | $-1,400 |
Negative difference means your money goes further in Idaho than the national average.
Compare Idaho with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Idaho?
Idaho has an overall cost-of-living index of 99.3, making it near the national average (ranked #23 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $420,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,404/month.
Is Idaho expensive to live in?
Idaho is near the national average with an overall cost-of-living index of 99.3 (average = 100). Some categories may be higher or lower than average.
How much does housing cost in Idaho?
The median home price in Idaho is $420,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,404/month. Idaho's housing index is 100.3 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 0.29999999999999716% above the national average.
How much are groceries in Idaho?
Idaho's grocery index is 98.9 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $4.90 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $405, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Idaho?
The average monthly electric bill in Idaho is $84 based on the state's residential rate of 9.51¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Idaho?
Center-based infant childcare in Idaho averages $9,630/year ($803/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Idaho?
A $75,000 salary in Idaho has the same purchasing power as $75,529 at the national average cost of living. Your salary goes about as far as the national average. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Idaho Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Idaho taxes
- House Affordability in Idaho — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Idaho take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.