Best Affordable Places to Live in Idaho in 2024

The Best Places to Live in Idaho

In addition to Idaho’s moderate cost of living and one of the lowest median property tax rates in the United States, residents can expect to find job opportunities here. According to the Idaho Department of Labor, the goods producing industry — which includes mining, construction, manufacturing, agriculture and others — is expected to grow 2.2% by 2030. Lewiston and Meridian, for example, are the highest-ranking cities for top paying construction employment in the state, according to ZipRecruiter data.

But job opportunity isn’t the only thing to consider when relocating to a new area. Here’s a list of best places in Idaho to live, depending on your situation.

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Best Affordable Places to Live in Idaho

If affordability is your biggest consideration when deciding where to live, Idaho offers a handful of reasonably priced areas. These areas rank well for affordability and offer other amenities as well. (Interested in exploring other areas in addition to Idaho? Check out the cost of living by state.)

1. Burley

Photo credit: iStock/BOB WESTON

Burley is located along the Snake River, and it has its own municipal airport nearby. It’s known for water-focused activities, like bass fishing and water skiing, and hosts many community events centralized along the river, like the Spudman Triathlon.

Population: 12,142

Median Household Income: $52,086

Cost of Living: 92% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,650

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.0

Average Property Tax: 0.53%

Housing Affordability: The average home value in Burley is $314,000, which is nicely below the national average. Although prices rose from 2020 – 2022, they have leveled off recently. Median rent here hovers around $1,650. This small community has relatively few rental properties available at once, so you may have to take your time to find what you need.

2. Blackfoot

Photo credit: Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM , Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic

This small town lies between the larger cities of Pocatello and Idaho Falls, each of which is about a half-hour drive away and will provide commuters with expanded job opportunities. Blackfoot may be best known as the home of the Idaho Potato Museum, but the area also features hiking, water sports, and the area’s largest butterfly house.

Population: 12,702

Median Household Income: $51,971

Cost of Living: 117% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,075

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.4

Average Property Tax: 0.68%

Housing Affordability: The average home value here is $332,000 and has dropped slightly in the last year. Rents are affordable, too. And the market, though small, is not especially competitive. So this could be a good place to find a home if you’re looking to live in a quiet (and affordable) small town. First-time homebuyer programs in Idaho can be helpful if you’ve never made a home purchase or haven’t bought in the last three years.

3. Jerome

Photo credit: iStock/BOB WESTON

In South-Central Idaho, Jerome is surrounded by farmland, and the economy here is based largely on agriculture, although manufacturing is a growing sector. The city has views of purple mountains and access to the Snake River Canyon. Outdoor activities are a major draw to life in the area locals know as the Magic Valley.

Population: 12,555

Median Household Income: $54,535

Cost of Living: 92% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,400

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.7

Average Property Tax: 0.71%

Housing Affordability: The rental market isn’t exactly buzzing in this smaller city, but patient would-be residents will find rents to be relatively affordable. Home values have leveled out recently at an average of about $368,000. Newer construction tends to be well above this average, but an older home can be found here for under $300,000.

4. Pocatello

Photo credit: iStock/eric1513

Pocatello makes many appearances on this list, as it has a lot to offer. Sitting under the Bannock Range mountains and home to Idaho State, a large university, Pocatello has a lively and historic downtown area with antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The major employers here, in addition to the university, are in manufacturing, mining, transportation, agriculture, and medical products.

Population: 57,730

Median Household Income: $51,293

Cost of Living: 81% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $999

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.1

Average Property Tax: 0.99%

Housing Affordability: With a median rent of under $1,000 per month and lots of properties available, Pocatello is a good place to go looking for a rental apartment. At around $313,000, average home values here are nicely below the national average. If you want to learn more about financing a home purchase, visit a home loan help center.

5. Idaho Falls

Photo credit: iStock/DenisTangneyJr

This eastern Idaho city is the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the state. It sits along the Snake River and is a magnet for outdoor-lovers. The River Walk and Greenbelt, a five-mile path here, connect many of the city’s main attractions. The city also has a regional airport and a minor-league baseball team. Outside of town, the Hells Half Acre lava field offers hiking trails in a natural historical landmark.

Population: 67,723

Median Household Income: $57,412

Cost of Living: 93% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,110

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.3

Average Property Tax: 0.82%

Housing Affordability: The median rent here is $1,110, and the median home value is $366,000, making Idaho Falls slightly below average in housing costs for the U.S. as a whole. There is abundant inventory of homes for sale here, and an older home can be found for less than $300,000.

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Best Places to Live in Idaho for Families

If you’re looking for a place to plant roots for your growing family, here are a few highly rated options. Many of the best places to live in Idaho for families are in the Boise area, as it is the state’s largest city and its capital.

1. Southeast Boise

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Twenty percent of households here have children, and this suburban area offers convenient access to all the Boise area has to offer. Parents are drawn here in part by its well-regarded school system. In addition to a zoo, a historic train depot, and plenty of parks, hiking trails, and outdoor adventure, Boise offers a science center and the popular World Center for Birds of Prey where curious kids can see live bird demonstrations.

Population: 22,783

Median Household Income: $88,276

Cost of Living: 117% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,336

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.6

Average Property Tax: 0.8%

Housing Affordability: The average rent here is $1,336, and the average home value is $495,000. The latter is on the pricier side for Idaho, but families may find it worth the cost to live where resources, including jobs, are abundant. If this is your debut home purchase, get smart about the different types of mortgage loans so you’ll be prepared to choose. People who like what Southeast Boise has to offer may also want to look at properties in nearby Boise Heights as well.

2. Pocatello

Photo credit: iStock/eric1513

About a third of households in this pretty valley city are families with children, drawn by the area’s advantages noted above but also by fun family activities, such as Zoo Idaho, Fort Hall Replica (a local history museum), and the Idaho Museum of Natural History. Parents will also appreciate that many of the local public schools are rated above-average.

Population: 57,730

Median Household Income: $51,293

Cost of Living: 81% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $999

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.1

Average Property Tax: 0.99%

Housing Affordability: With a median rent under $1,000 per month and lots of properties available, Pocatello is welcoming to renters, and slightly more than a third of the city’s population rents. At around $313,000, average home values are below the national average.

3. East End

Housing Affordability: East End is primarily single-family, owner-occupied homes, so rentals here are a bit more expensive than other places in the surrounding area. The average home value here is $687,000, reflecting the area’s appeal. Home values have declined a bit in the last year, however, after consistent increases. Several hundred homes in this area are heated with geothermal heat, which greatly reduces heating costs and might help offset a larger mortgage.

4. Highlands

Housing Affordability: On average, the cost to rent here just tops $1,000 per month, but like East End, this is an area dominated by single-family, owner-occupied homes. The average home value here is over $800,000, making this one of the more costly areas to live, but the quick commute to job opportunities in downtown Boise makes it popular with families. There are always a handful of homes for sale here that are priced highly enough to warrant a jumbo mortgage loan for some purchasers.

5. Moscow

Photo credit: iStock/Shunyu Fan

Roughly a 5-hour drive north from Boise in the western part of the state lies Moscow, another family-friendly place in Idaho. Moscow is home to the state’s land grant university, the University of Idaho, and also boasts a thriving art scene that includes the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival. There are lots of sporting events to keep families entertained, plus a local arboretum and botanical garden, and ample parks and bike paths.

Population: 26,249

Median Household Income: $49,251

Cost of Living: 87% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,305

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 8.9

Average Property Tax: 0.78%

Housing Affordability: The median rent here is $1,305, and the rental market can be competitive. The average home value, at $438,350, is above the national average of $348,000. You can prepare to put in a bid on a home by going through the mortgage preapproval process before you get really serious about your search.

Best Places to Live in Idaho for Young Adults

Young adults tend to look for some combination of affordability, access to employment, and, well, fun activities to do with other young adults. These Idaho places rank highly for all three.

1. Boise

Photo credit: iStock/4kodiak

A young adult starting out will find a range of job opportunities in Idaho’s most populous city, where the median age is 37 and 75% of households do not have children. Major employers here include Micron Technology, Deloitte, and Boise Cascade. Although the cost of living in Boise is higher than some other locations in Idaho, the proximity to natural beauty combined with career opportunities and lots of activities for singles makes this city appealing to young adults.

Population: 236,634

Median Household Income: $68,373

Cost of Living: 117% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,700

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.8

Average Property Tax: 0.8%

Housing Affordability: The average home value in Boise tops $465,000, and apartment rents average $1,700, although studio and one-bedroom apartments are often priced under $1,500 per month, and there is abundant inventory.

2. Pocatello

Photo credit: iStock/eric1513

If your idea of entertainment trends more toward outdoor adventure than a bustling nightlife, Pocatello could be a good place to start adulting. After kayaking or canoeing on the local Pontneuf River, you can head over to the Pontneuf Valley Farmers Market, a gathering spot. The median age of the population here is 33, and about a third of the population has never been married.

Population: 57,730

Median Household Income: $51,293

Cost of Living: 81% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $999

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.1

Average Property Tax: 0.99%

Housing Affordability: As noted above, Pocatello has a median rent of under $1,000 per month, and there are lots of rental properties to choose from. Should you decide to buy a home, you’ll find average home values, at around $313,000, are below the national average.

3. Idaho Falls

Photo credit: iStock/DenisTangneyJr

Idaho Falls, with all the outdoor leisure activities noted above, is also home to Idaho National Laboratory, a leader in clean-energy research and a main employer in the area. Strong job and wage growth have placed this city on The 2023 Milken Institute Best-Performing Cities Index, yet housing costs remain relatively low, making this an appealing destination for young adults. The average age of the population here is 33.

Population: 67,723

Median Household Income: $57,412

Cost of Living: 93% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,110

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.3

Average Property Tax: 0.82%

Housing Affordability: Rent prices are relatively affordable here, and there is usually a good inventory of available properties to choose from. The average home value is around $366,000. If you’re thinking about buying a home, read up on the mortgage prequalification vs. preapproval process so you are familiar with the concepts before you get serious about a purchase.

4. Rigby

Photo credit: Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM , CCreative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic

If truly small-town life appeals to you, Rigby might be a good choice. The town is within commuting distance of Idaho Falls to the south, and some local residents work at the National Laboratory there. Yet residents are also near the Wyoming border and less than two hours from Grand Teton National Park. Many people here are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and activities may be rooted in church life. The median age of residents here is 27, making this a community oriented toward young adults.

Population: 5,452

Median Household Income: $58,287

Cost of Living: 90% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,600

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.7

Average Property Tax: 0.61%

Housing Affordability: The average home value here is $450,000. The market is cool but inventory is low, meaning you may have to bide your time while waiting for a property that suits your needs to come on the market.

5. Emmett

Photo credit: Flickr/J. Stephen Conn , Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0
Generic

A small city in Treasure Valley, alongside the Payette River, Emmett is just under an hour away from Boise, so young adults willing to make the commute will find very reasonable rents not far from a bustling job market. The area is known for its fertile soil, and agriculture is one of the main industries. The town hosts an annual cherry festival.

Population: 8,184

Median Household Income: $50,139

Cost of Living: 95% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $756

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 8.4

Average Property Tax: 0.61%

Housing Affordability: The average home value here is $425,000, which is above the national average value of $348,539. Renters can find good deals here, however, and only about 60% of properties are owner-occupied. Thinking of making your first home purchase? Consult a first-time homebuyer guide.

Best Places to Live in Idaho for Retirees

Retirees who crave a four-season lifestyle and want access to natural wonders, not to mention beautiful mountain views, will enjoy life in Idaho. These are five top picks.

1. Twin Falls

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Nature lovers looking for a retirement spot will savor the opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities in Twin Falls, located two hours by car southeast of Boise. Shoshone Falls and the Orton Botanical Garden are popular local spots, and the downtown offers breweries, shops, and art exhibits for entertainment.

Population: 54,300

Median Household Income: $53,936

Cost of Living: 96% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,685

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.4

Average Property Tax: 1.09%

Housing Affordability: At $347,000 the average home value here sits around the U.S. average. Twin Falls boasts an abundance of retirement communities and assisted living options as well, making this city especially welcoming to retirees.

2. Pocatello

Photo credit: iStock/eric1513

Retiring in Pocatello would be an attractive proposition for those who like hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor sports, and any retiree would enjoy the city’s thriving downtown. The local Senior Activity Center offers healthy meals and enrichment activities to the over-60 set.

Population: 57,730

Median Household Income: $51,293

Cost of Living: 81% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $999

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.1

Average Property Tax: 0.99%

Housing Affordability: In addition to an abundance of relatively affordable rental properties and a lower-than-national-average home value, Pocatello has several retirement communities, as well as assisted living and memory care facilities for those who might eventually need extra help.

3. Burley

Photo credit: iStock/BOB WESTON

As noted above, Burley is a popular spot for water-sports and fishing enthusiasts. Retirees might also enjoy spending time at the Cassia County Historical Museum and the King Fine Arts Center. The local senior center offers meals and activities.

Population: 12,142

Median Household Income: $52,086

Cost of Living: 92% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,650

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 8.35

Average Property Tax: 0.53%

Housing Affordability: The average home value in Burley is $314,000 and has been relatively stable of late. Median rent here is around $1,500. It’s a small community, and would-be Burley residents may have to wait for the right spot to come on the market, whether for sale or for rent, as inventory is fairly low. Burley also offers two retirement communities and two assisted living facilities.

4. Idaho Falls

Photo credit: iStock/DenisTangneyJr

Retirees who are arts lovers will find much to entertain them in Idaho Falls, including an art museum and galleries, as well as live theater performances. And opportunities to enjoy nature abound as well, especially along the Snake River where the River Walk and Greenbelt, a five-mile path, provide an opportunity for daily walks.

Population: 67,723

Median Household Income: $57,412

Cost of Living: 93% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,110

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.3

Average Property Tax: 0.82%

Housing Affordability: Rent prices are reasonable here, and inventory is robust. The average home value is $366,000. There are no fewer than seven retirement communities as well as several assisted-living options for seniors who need more support.

5. Mountain Home

Photo credit: iStock/BOB WESTON

This rural community offers views of mountains and sand dunes. Residents enjoy an annual country music festival, and Boise, which offers lots of cultural attractions and access to hospitals, is 45 minutes away by car. The local senior center offers recreational, educational, and health-focused activities.

Population: 16,469

Median Household Income: $45,652

Cost of Living: 105% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,300

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.3

Average Property Tax: 0.78

Housing Affordability: The average home value in Mountain Home is $335,000, and prices have dropped over the last year. Mountain Home also has five retirement home communities, a large selection for a small city. The median rent price here is $1,300.

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Best Places to Live in Idaho Near the Water

Idaho is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, and if that describes you and you want to be close to the water, these five towns are worth checking out.

1. Priest Lake

Photo credit: iStock/D. Lentz

In the “panhandle” of northern Idaho, about 30 miles from the Canadian border, lies Priest Lake. The small town’s primary business is tourism, and visitors come in all seasons for activities on and around the lake, which is 25 miles long with many sandy beaches and ample opportunity for almost any type of boating or watersports residents might enjoy.

Population: 6,340

Median Household Income: $42,450

Cost of Living: 107% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: N/A

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 13.4

Average Property Tax: 0.49

Housing Affordability: Homes in what many call Idaho’s “Crown Jewel” region are no bargain, although they are affordable when compared to many lakefront locations in the U.S. Houses here are often vacation homes, although they are used year-round, as there are activities here in all four seasons. The median sales price sits around $569,000. It can be more affordable to rent an apartment, with some nearby options costing less than the national average, but there are relatively few rentals available. Priest Lake has building lots in abundance for those who are interested in new construction amid tall trees and rushing streams.

2. Swan Valley

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Swan Valley is a tiny town in the Yellowstone range, 45 minutes by car from Jacksonville, Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park. It is on the banks of the South Fork of the Snake River and is best known for its world-class fly fishing.

Population: 229

Median Household Income: $72,813

Cost of Living: 94% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: N/A

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.5

Average Property Tax: 0.82%

Housing Affordability: The average home value here is $481,500, but homes near the water or on a large acreage cost considerably more. There are few apartments for rent here, although vacation homes can be rented starting at $4,000 per month.

3. McCall

Photo credit: iStock/alicescully

This resort town lies in the mountains about 100 miles north of Boise and offers brilliant blue water with spectacular mountain views. Originally a logging town, it is now a magnet for outdoor adventurers in all seasons. In the summer, the population here triples in size. Its Winter Carnival draws 60,000 visitors, and area resorts offer 2,600 acres to explore.

Population: 3,844

Median Household Income: $53,216

Cost of Living: 98% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,500

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 14.3

Average Property Tax: 0.44%

Housing Affordability: The rental market here is affected by the fact that McCall is a resort community, and rents can be pricey at an average of $2,500 per month. The average home value is $761,000 — on the pricey side for Idaho, but water access commands a premium here, as everywhere. Home values have dropped almost 10% in the last year. Many homes here are vacation properties.

4. Cascade

Photo credit: iStock/vkbhat

This popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts is about 70 miles north of Boise. After biking, fishing, hiking, or skiing, residents and visitors enjoy the local hot springs and maybe a little axe-throwing at the local bar for good measure.

Population: 1,101

Median Household Income: $46,250

Cost of Living: 104% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,650

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 9.4

Average Property Tax: 0.44%

Housing Affordability: As in many small resort communities, rentals can be in short supply, especially in the summer season. If you’re interested in moving to Cascade you may have to wait for your ideal spot to open up. At around $437,000, the average home value is above the national average but still relatively modest for a vacation destination. And if you’d be happy with a smaller cottage, homes can be had for under $250,000.

5. Sandpoint

Photo credit: iStock/Amenohi

This town lies between three mountain ranges on the shores of Idaho’s largest lake, Lake Pend Oreille. It prides itself on having a small-town (vs. a resort-town) vibe, and offers abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure plus a thriving arts and culture scene.

Population: 9,777

Median Household Income: $53,567

Cost of Living: 119% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,100

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 11.2

Average Property Tax: 0.49%

Housing Affordability: Homes are costly here versus elsewhere in Idaho, but such is lakeside life. The median home value is $600,000. Rentals are also above national average, as well, although the average rental price is likely driven skyward by vacation rental prices.

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The Takeaway

No matter what your ideal neighborhood looks like, as long as you’re interested in outdoor fun, chances are you can find a place that suits your needs in Idaho. If you’re someone who enjoys experiencing all four seasons throughout the year, explore the most affordable places to live in Idaho to see if you can see yourself settling there.

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FAQ

Where is the most desirable place to live in Idaho?

Idaho is home to many neighborhoods that are suited to all types of tastes. For example, cities like Idaho Falls are a popular place for working professionals who prefer city living with close proximity to outdoor activities. Conversely, retirees can find relaxing communities to enjoy hard-earned downtime, such as Sandpoint.

Which town in Idaho has the best weather?

Boise City is known for having the best weather in Idaho, which might be why it has the largest population in the state at more than 236,000 residents. It has a high desert climate and snowy winters.

Where is the most affordable place to live in Idaho?

Pocatello, Idaho is not only the least expensive city in Idaho in which to live, it is one of the least expensive places in the U.S.

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