Idaho is located in the Pacific Northwest, bordering Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon. Approximately 1.7 million people have their roots planted in Idaho. If you’ve ever contemplated moving to the “Gem State” you may have wondered what are the cheapest or most affordable cities in Idaho.
Median income in Idaho
Idaho is one of the more affordable states in the country, offering low prices on real estate, sales, and income taxes, as well as low utility and grocery costs. Despite having a lower cost of living, the state’s median income is $55,583 for a household, which falls slightly below the national average. Those living in the state can earn a good income while enjoying the lower cost of living, which extends to the housing market.
Most affordable cities in Idaho
Certain cities in Idaho have seen significant population growth over the past several years, which has caused increases in housing prices. When comparing cities, it’s helpful to look at the cost of living overall, including housing, food, utilities, and health care, in terms of cheap and affordable places to live in Idaho.
1. Payette, Idaho
This Boise suburb located about an hour outside of the city, is one of the cheapest places to live in Idaho. Payette’s housing prices come in well below the national average and lower than most other cities in the state. The median rent price is $761, while the city’s median household income is $50,655. With a median one-bedroom rent of $575 and a two-bedroom rent of $725, Payette is the most affordable place to rent in Idaho.
2. Preston, Idaho
Preston, located in the southern part of the state near the Utah border, is one of the most affordable places to live in Idaho. The community is particularly affordable for renters, with a median rental price of $655 per month. The household median income of $48,113 comes in slightly lower than the statewide average. However, it’s still close to the national average and relatively high for those living in the city and paying lower housing prices. Preston also has pleasant weather, access to outdoor recreation, and a low unemployment rate.
3. Ammon, Idaho
Ammon is a faster-growing city, but it’s still among the cheapest places to live in Idaho. The housing prices are slightly higher than the statewide average, with the median rent at $889, but the median household income is slightly more than $65,000. The population growth may be linked to Ammon’s consistently high ranking on the best places to live in the state. This city has highly ranked schools, indoor and outdoor amenities, attractions to enjoy, and a pleasant climate.
4. Idaho Falls, Idaho
Idaho Falls is another place that offers affordable living for Idaho residents. This community is one of the state’s larger cities with more than 60,000 residents, offering a suburban feel and an affordable rental market. Idaho Falls is west of Ammon and close to the Wyoming border, about 100 miles from Yellowstone National Park. Many residents enjoy taking day trips to hike and explore the natural surroundings. Idaho Falls is also known for its proximity to gorgeous waterfalls and strong economy centered on energy, medicine, and agriculture.
Most affordable rent in Idaho
Some of the cities with the most affordable rents for apartments in Idaho are listed above, but they’re not the only places in the state that offer cheap places to live in Idaho.
1. Burley
Burley, the county seat of Cassia County, is another place to score affordable rent. Its population includes more than 10,000 residents, and it feels like a smaller town while offering access to shopping, dining, and recreation.
The average rent for a studio apartment in Burley is slightly more than $500, while a four-bedroom rental costs an average of $1,162 per month. This figure is significantly lower than the national average of slightly less than $1,800 per month for a four-bedroom apartment. Rental prices in Burley come in close to the statewide average, making it an affordable place to live in Idaho.
2. Blackfoot
Blackfoot is another city that offers cheap rent, with a citywide average of $650. The housing market is also quite affordable, with the median home price coming in at $136,700. If you’re interested in renting a home, you may be able to get more for your money than you would in other cities. Blackfoot’s median household income is $48,750. When you’re a Blackfoot resident, you can enjoy access to various attractions and amenities. The city is between Idaho Falls and Pocatello.
3. Jerome
If you’re interested in living in a more rural part of the state, consider Jerome. This town is near the southern part of the state and includes several dairy farms that contribute to the economy. Many residents live on larger plots of land. If you want space to breathe or maybe have a few animals of your own, Jerome could be the place to do so.
Jerome is also an affordable place to live, with average rent prices below the statewide average. The average rent for a studio apartment is $528, while the average for a four-bedroom unit is $1,150 per month. The statewide median rent for a four-bedroom rental comes in at $1,237 per month. Jerome residents also have a household median income of $45,148, and the income-to-rent ratio is quite positive.
With many affordable places to live, Idaho is an attractive place to call home for those who want to keep their housing costs in line with their budget. This state is also home to several national parks, ski resorts, and other outdoor attractions for those who enjoy spending time outside.
4. Weiser
Weiser is a small, friendly community with a low cost of living and access to outdoor recreation opportunities. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Weiser is $650, while a two-bedroom apartment costs around $825 per month. Weiser is located in Washington County in southwestern Idaho, along the border with Oregon. It is about 75 miles northwest of Boise. Weiser’s economy is driven by agriculture, with potato farming being a significant industry in the area. Other important industries include healthcare, retail, and education.
Frequently asked questions
Idaho has a relatively low cost of living, with lower housing costs, taxes, and healthcare expenses compared to other states.
Consulting with a local real estate agent or property management company can provide valuable insights into the rental or housing market in Idaho. Using Zumper, you can filter your apartment search by your budget to help you find the most affordable place to live.
Other factors to consider include job opportunities, proximity to family and friends, access to amenities such as parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, and overall quality of life. It’s important to find a place that fits your lifestyle and needs.
Some of the best places to live in Idaho include Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls, Meridian, and Moscow.
The cost of living can vary depending on the specific place and individual circumstances. While some of the best places in Idaho may have a higher cost of living than others, they often offer a higher quality of life and a variety of amenities that justify the cost.
Interested in relocating to Idaho? Explore thousands of listings on Zumper to find a selection of rentals that fit your budget. You can filter the results based on your specific home criteria and consider different areas of the state to find the ideal place for you to put down roots.
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