Skyline of Idaho Falls
Cost of Living: 95 62,000

Idaho Falls, ID, US

Eastern Idaho city on the Snake River near Yellowstone with a strong nuclear research sector.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 95

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 100

Affordable

Median Income $60,000

Household income

Unemployment 2.5%

Job market health

Idaho Falls vs US Average

Cost of Living
Idaho Falls: 95
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Idaho Falls: 100
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Idaho Falls: 5.8%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.8%
  • Sales Tax: 6.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $60,000
  • Unemployment: 2.5%
  • Population: 62,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 210/year
  • Summer High: 88°F
  • Winter Low: 18°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a

Housing

  • Median Home: $350,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1100/mo

Cost of Living

Idaho Falls's cost of living index is 95 (US average = 100).

CategoryIdaho FallsNational AverageDifference
Overall95100-5.0%
Housing1001000.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$350,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1100/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,375/mo
Price per Sq Ft$233

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
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$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Idaho Falls:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$86Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$59Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$3Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$45Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$70Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$288Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Idaho Falls scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
95
Rent
$1100
Sunny Days
210
Tax
5.8%
Unemployment
2.5%
Climate
88°F / 18°F
Safety
5.8 homicides/100k
Population
62,000
Internet Speed
200 Mbps

Climate

Idaho Falls has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January38°F18°F2.5"
April73°F33°F2.8"
July88°F63°F1.5"
October68°F36°F2.2"
USDA Zone 5a

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Idaho Falls faces the following natural hazards:

Wildfire High Risk

Frequent wildfire seasons.

Blizzard High Risk

Severe winter storms.

Drought High Risk

Frequent drought conditions.

Landslide High Risk

Rocky Mountain region with landslides.

Avalanche High Risk

Rocky Mountains with frequent avalanches.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Seismic activity in the Intermountain Seismic Belt.

Flood Moderate Risk

River and flash floods.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.8%
  • Sales Tax: 6%
  • Property Tax: ~0.69% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.

Schools & Education

76/100
School Quality Score
Better than 59% of US cities
?
45
Total Schools
7.9:1
Student:Teacher
83.2%
Free/Reduced Lunch

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Idaho Falls, ID, US?

The cost of living index in Idaho Falls is 95, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Idaho Falls?

The median home price in Idaho Falls is $350,000. The housing index is 100.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Idaho Falls is approximately $1100/mo.

Does Idaho Falls, ID have income tax?

Idaho Falls is in ID, which has an income tax rate of 5.8%.

What is the climate like in Idaho Falls?

Idaho Falls enjoys approximately 210 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 18°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.