Cost of Living in Idaho, 2022

Idaho is most famously known for its potatoes, though it is nicknamed the Gem State, as it is home to over 70 different types of precious and semi-precious stones. In addition to gemstones, the 43rd state of the United States offers a unique combination of rich heritage, welcoming communities, and a taste of the west.

According to the United States Census Bureau, despite being the 14th largest state in the country, Idaho remains the 38th-most populated. Offering abundant scenic areas and natural resources, this Rocky Mountain state is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of busy downtowns and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

If you’re thinking about moving to Idaho, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll first want to check out this apartment guide. Next, you’ll want to do some research to find out what Idaho’s cost of living prices look like. Thankfully, here at Apartment List, you can take a closer look at the Idaho cost of living to better understand what type of budget you’ll need to live comfortably.

Idaho Housing Costs

Housing costs should always be top of mind when making a big move, as they tend to be some of your highest living expenses. Whether you plan on making mortgage payments or paying rent each month, you can safely assume housing costs will take up the most significant chunk of your monthly expenses. To get started, you’ll want to build a budget. Here, you will need to consider your housing costs.

The Idaho rental market is highly affordable, even amongst the most highly populated cities. Where you live will impact your rental prices. However, you’ll likely find the most options in five of Idaho’s most densely populated Idaho cities, including Moscow, Meridian, Coeur d'Alene, Eagle, and Boise.Boise is among the most popular places to live in Idaho, and was named the 18th Fastest-Growing Place in the United States in 2020-2021 by U.S. News. ​​Boise is rapidly growing and rents are up 12.3% in comparison to this time last year. Currently, the median rents in Boise are $1,510 for a one bedroom apartment and $1,525 for a two bedroom apartment. The year-over-year rent growth falls behind the state average of 13.4%, and the national average of 16.5%.

If you’re looking to cut costs on the house, renting with a roommate might be worth considering. For example, if you rent in Boise and split the cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment, you can save $748 per month versus renting a one-bedroom apartment on your own.

Finding the Best Idaho Apartment for You

If you're uncertain about a neighborhood, consider a month-to-month apartment before making a long-term 12 month commitment. If it's your first time renting or if you don't have a high credit score, consider no credit check apartments. Lastly, if you prefer to rent from the owner of an apartment and have a more personal relationship with them rather than property managers, consider a for rent by owner apartment.

Idaho Transportation

Idaho’s public transportation isn’t very reliable. Unless you live within the main cities of Boise, Moscow, or Idaho Falls, you will likely need to rely on a vehicle of your own to get around. In Boise, available public transportation options include ValleyRide, ACCESS, Valley Regional Transit, and SHIP.

If you’re planning on living outside of the city, you’ll need to look into costs associated with having a vehicle of your own. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, average annual transportation costs come out to about $4,938 for a single individual. A family of four with two working parents and two children can anticipate paying around $11,391 in annual transportation costs.

Considering the limited access to public transportation throughout the state, having a vehicle in Idaho is probably the best way to get around. Depending on where you live, Idaho’s gas prices are relatively low compared to the rest of the country, averaging $3.93 a gallon. Here’s a look at some of the gas prices you’ll pay around Idaho:

• Boise - $4.02
• Moscow - $4.09
• Coeur d'Alene - $3.42

First Friday night in Downtown Boise under the quarantine. Empty Streets and closed restaurants.

Idaho Food Costs

The average single Idaho resident spends around $3,999 on food or roughly $322.25 per month. For a four-person family with two working adults and two children, these costs nearly triple to $11,742 annually or approximately $978.50 per month.

While food costs sound relatively reasonable compared to other states, it’s important to remember that these figures are associated with food that has been picked up at the local Albertsons, Westfarm Foods, or Costco and has been entirely prepared in the home.

If home-cooked food isn't your primary source of meals, you will likely need to add a considerable amount to properly budget for additional food costs associated with dining out.

Idaho's must-eats include finger steaks, morel mushrooms, key lime pie, and the Idahoan (meatloaf with mashed potatoes drizzled in a ketchup chili glaze, with white cheddar and Colby Jack cheeses).

Here is a breakdown of the average cost for a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant by city:

• Moscow: $30
• Boise: $60
• Coeur d'Alene: $38.50

Idaho Healthcare Costs

Having proper healthcare is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regardless of where you live. Whether you have a condition that requires routine care or you only visit a doctor for annual checkups, you’ll want to ensure you have proper health insurance. Having health insurance ensures you get the necessary treatment should emergencies occur.

A single adult without children can anticipate paying around $2,225$ for medical care in a single year, while a family of four with two working adults and two children can expect to pay $8,175.

The federal healthcare marketplace lists out available coverage in Idaho. Be sure to report your move to qualify for out-of-state coverage, as relocating outside of an enrollment period can cause complications.

If you are under 26 and still on your parent’s insurance plan, you might be able to maintain your coverage even when moving to Idaho. Check through your parent’s provider to see if your new Idaho hometown has doctors that fall within the network.

Idaho Utilities

Because Idaho has a vast mountainous topography, diverse climates are typical, extending the range for average utility bills in Idaho depending on your region. Statewide, Idaho averages approximately 18 inches of rain and 47 inches of snow per year. The hottest month is in July, when temperatures can reach 85 degrees, and the coldest month is in January, with a low of 17 degrees.

Despite the cold winters in Idaho, utilities typically fall below the national average of $240 monthly. Here is the average cost of monthly utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915 square-foot apartment, broken down by city:

• Moscow: $91.61
• Boise: $205.02
• Coeur d'Alene: $175.00

These costs cover basic utilities, excluding Internet. The average monthly costs of internet of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, or cable/ADSL in these major cities are:

• Moscow: $56.67
• Boise: $63.93
• Coeur d'Alene : $61.43

Other monthly costs to consider, such as your cell phone bill, will cost an average of $127.37 monthly. You can get discounts on these monthly costs by bundling your cell phone with your internet provider or new customer discounts.

Learn more about the estimated utility costs per city!.

Idaho Fitness and Entertainment

There are fitness and entertainment opportunities for everyone in Idaho. If you choose to live in this beautiful state, you will likely take the time to enjoy the outdoors. Don’t forget to account for some of your fitness and entertainment expenses in your budget.

Fitness

Winters are notoriously cold and filled with snow in Idaho. Because of this, maintaining your fitness year-round will likely require a gym membership. Thankfully, the average cost of a fitness club in major cities throughout Idaho is relatively low:

• Moscow: $49.80
• Boise: $35.44
• Coeur d'Alene: $48.75

As weather permits, you can save on some of your gym membership fees by taking up other outdoor activities. Some popular Idahoan adventures include rafting, climbing, and hiking, all of which you could partake in at one of the plentiful National or State Parks.

National and State Parks

Idaho is home to seven national state parks. While entrance fees vary, you can purchase an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass annual pass for $80, which allows access to all of the parks, the most popular being:

• Yellowstone National Park
• Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
• Craters of the Moon National Monument
• Clearwater National Forest
• City of Rocks National Reserve

Aside from national parks, Idaho has 27 state parks. Local Idahoans can purchase an Idaho State Parks Passport for $10 per year, offering unlimited day-use access to every park within the state. Some of the most popular state parks include:

• Hiawatha Mountain Bike Trail
• Harriman State Park
• Farragut State Park
• Henry’s Lake State Park
• Hells Gate State Park

Coeur d’Alene

In the northwest region of Idaho, you will find Coeur d’Alene. This city is known as the playground of the Pacific Northwest, offering everything from championship golf courses to lake cruises and everything in between.

Twin Falls

Twin Falls is a city found in the state’s southern region, serving as a gateway to the Snake River Canyon to the north. The canyon is the perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting activities including boating, hiking, and fishing.

Idaho Falls

In Eastern Idaho, you will find Idaho Falls. The only professional sports team in the region comes from Idaho Falls, which is known for being a cultural and commercial hub. The downtown area is filled with life, boasting a flawless blend of mom and pop shops, historic buildings, and independent restaurants.

Yellowstone

You can find the western slope of the Tetons and the west edge of Yellowstone National Park in Idaho. Island Park is a 50-mile hollow formed millions of years ago and today houses stunning rivers and beautiful forests. Island Park can be found 20 minutes from the western entrance to Yellowstone.

Other Expenses to Consider in Idaho

One major downside to living in Idaho is its progressive income tax rate, with the top rate at 6.925%. Thankfully, to help balance this, the state has relatively low sales tax at 6% and low property taxes.

Plan on additional expenses if you move from out of state, including movers, storage, hotels, and transportation. Other things to consider are additional fees like apartment application fees, security deposits, pet deposits, and other add-ons.

You’ll also want to decorate your new apartment to make it feel like home. Make sure you decorate your apartment on a budget. Otherwise, these costs could start to add up.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Idaho?

Finding a recommended salary for your new life in Idaho will mostly depend on the lifestyle you plan to have there. The living wage in Idaho is $16.16 per hour, which represents the basic hourly wage for a single adult to pay for essentials, including housing, food, and necessities.

The average salary index in Idaho is $44,615 per year, roughly $21.45. per hour.

With this information, you can calculate your recommended salary by utilizing the 30% rule, which says you should not be spending more than one-third of your gross income on rent.

To determine how much money you will need to make to live comfortably in Idaho, you can assume you’re planning to rent in Boise, where the median rent for a one-bedroom is $1,510. According to the 30% rule, your monthly wages should be at least three times this amount, equalling $5,033 per month or $60,396 annually.

Final Thoughts

Idaho offers rental opportunities for all, with everything from apartment complexes to remote cabins. In Idaho, you can choose just how much space you want between you and your neighbor, which is an uncommon luxury in more densely populated states.

If you are looking to move somewhere where you can fully enjoy each season and have the vast wilderness in your backyard, Idaho might be the place for you. Register with Apartment List today and start browsing hundreds of apartments available for rent in Idaho!

If you are looking to move somewhere where you can fully enjoy each season and have the vast wilderness in your backyard, Idaho might be the place for you. Register with Apartment List today and start browsing hundreds of apartments available for rent in Idaho!

FAQs: Cost of Living in Idaho

How expensive is an apartment in Idaho?

Idaho apartments are still relatively affordable, especially for large cities, like Boise. A one bedroom apartment in Boise is $1,112 a month. A two bedroom apartment in Boise is $1,313 a month.

What is the cheapest rent in Idaho?

The cheapest rent in Boise is a one bedroom apartment. You’ll spend an average of $1,112 for a one bedroom apartment in Boise.

How expensive is it to live in Idaho?

A one bedroom apartment in Boise averages $1,112. A two bedroom apartment in Boise costs $1,313.

Single adults in Boise will spend an average of $5,316 a year on transportation. A family of four will spend around $14,058 on transportation each year. Single adults will spend an average of $4,686 a year on food. A family of four with two kids will spend $13,802 a year on food.

Is Idaho cheaper than California?

Yes, Idaho is cheaper than California. If you look at the median rents of the two state’s major cities, you’ll see Idaho is significantly less expensive. A one bedroom apartment in Boise is $1,112. The cost of a one bedroom apartment in Sacramento is $1,240 a month. In Los Angeles, the average rent for a one bedroom apartment is $1,651.

What is the population of Idaho?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Idaho is 1,939,033.

What is a good salary in Idaho?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median income in Idaho is $63,377. To live comfortably in a one bedroom apartment, consider paying 30% or less of your take home pay on rent. If you rent a one bedroom apartment in Boise for $1,112, you need a salary of $44,480 to live comfortably. For a two bedroom apartment that costs $2,180, you’ll need a salary of at least $87,200.