Idaho cost of living
Can you afford to live in the Gem State?
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If you’re considering a move to Idaho — whether for work, family or a lifestyle shift — knowing the true costs upfront is critical to making confident choices. The state’s rising popularity brings both opportunity and competition in the housing market, making careful planning essential.
To determine the cost of living in Idaho, our team reviewed data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis to understand average spending. We also used recent sources to gather housing, food, transportation, health care and utility costs for a full picture of everyday expenses.
People in Idaho spend $46,270 each year on goods and services, on average.
Jump to insightThe median rent in Idaho is $1,383, versus the national median rent of $1,639.
Jump to insightResidents in Idaho spend $257.54 weekly on food at home.
Jump to insightAs of August 2025, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.51 in Idaho.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Idaho pay $1,186 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightThe average cost of living in Idaho
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average annual per-person spending in Idaho was $46,270 in 2023. This number reflects what Idaho residents typically pay each year for the essentials — housing, health care, food, energy and more.
Here’s a breakdown of the largest spending categories in Idaho:
| Category | Annual per-capita cost in Idaho |
|---|---|
| Housing and utilities | $9,309 |
| Health care | $7,507 |
| Food and beverages for off-premises consumption | $3,813 |
| Gasoline and other energy goods | $1,732 |
| All other personal consumption expenditures | $23,909 |
| Total cost | $46,270 |
Housing costs in Idaho
Housing will likely be your single largest expense in Idaho. Based on 2025 data from Apartments.com, the average rent in Idaho is $1,383, which is less than the national average of $1,639. Location, property size and local demand all play a part in what you’ll pay for rent. The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey provides these average monthly rental figures for Idaho:
- One-bedroom rent: $963
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,183
- Three-bedroom rent: $1,558
- Four-bedroom rent: $1,772
If you plan to buy a home, the median home price in Idaho is $493,000, which is more than the U.S. median home price of $446,638.
Don’t overlook property taxes. Idaho’s effective property tax rate stands at 0.48%, which is No. 44 for highest effective property tax rates in the country.
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Food costs in Idaho
Your grocery and dining expenses in Idaho will vary depending on where you live and how often you eat out. According to the most recent U.S. Census data, the average weekly grocery spend in Idaho is $257.54, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21.
Families who primarily cook at home may find their food budgets manageable, especially if they take advantage of local produce and discount stores. In Idaho’s urban centers, eating out can add up quickly, but rural areas and smaller towns often have lower restaurant prices and access to local foods, which can help keep spending in check.
Transportation costs in Idaho
When it comes to transportation, fuel and insurance costs are two main expenses to consider. The average price per gallon of regular gas in Idaho is $3.51 as of publishing, which is much more than the U.S. average of $3.13.
For auto insurance, Idaho drivers pay an average premium of $880.12, compared with the national average of $1,258.
Health care costs in Idaho
Health care costs in Idaho are much lower than in many other states. The average employee contribution for employer-sponsored health insurance is $1,186 per year, while employers cover the remaining $6,213 of the $7,400 annual premium.
By comparison, the national average employee contribution is $1,640 out of a total premium of $8,182.
Utility costs in Idaho
Utility bills in Idaho can be a noticeable part of your monthly expenses. The average monthly electric bill is $106.65, compared with $136.84 for the U.S. overall.
Natural gas in Idaho is priced at $6.82 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $12.92 in the national market.
FAQ
Does Idaho have a high cost of living?
No, Idaho does not have a high cost of living compared with the national average. Most families find their overall expenses are lower, especially in health care and rent.
While home prices are higher than in many states, property taxes in Idaho are much lower than the national average.
Is Idaho a good place to live?
Yes, Idaho is a good place to live if you want to join a growing community. Idaho ranks among the top destinations for people moving within the U.S., and its overall lower cost of living appeals to many. Affordable rent and strong health care value make it a practical option for families and individuals alike.
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Is Idaho good for renters?
Yes, Idaho is good for renters. Renters benefit from affordable prices compared with much of the country, and the quality of life for tenants is among the best. However, Idaho does not offer as many tenant protections as other places, and rental availability can be limited at times, so those factors are worth considering.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Apartments.com, “Rent Trends.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Redfin, “Redfin Data Center.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Tax Foundation, “Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- United States Census Bureau, “Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- AAA Gas Prices, “State Gas Price Averages.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “2021/2022 Auto Insurance Database Report.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- KFF, “Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, “2023 Average Monthly Bill- Residential.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
