Idaho has beautiful landscapes and mountains.
It has plenty of small towns that will charm anyone.
It’s great for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a change.
The average cost of a home in Idaho is $459,500.
While this may seem quite expensive, don’t worry.
This guide will provide you with some of the most affordable towns to live in in Idaho to help you in your search for the perfect place to live.
13 of the Cheapest Places to Live in Idaho
1. Twin Falls
Twin Falls is first on the list for being one of the cheapest places to live in Idaho.
The average median household income in Twin Falls is $50,839.
It is located 130 miles away from Boise, Idaho, which is considered the closest major metro area.
About 51,800 people are living in Twin Falls.
So, if you’re thinking about moving here, there’s a lot to do besides taking advantage of affordable housing.
There are plenty of nature sites, including Twin Falls Park and Shoshone Falls Park.
You can also take a hike on the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail.
2. Pocatello
The average cost of a home in Pocatello is $46,882.
It is located 235 miles from Boise.
The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is $950.
You’ll surely find something affordable in town to meet your budget.
Pocatello is located in the southeastern part of Idaho.
About 56,300 people are living in Pocatello.
If you enjoy nature, you’ll get to enjoy many trails, such as the City Creek Loop Trail, Cusick Creek Trail, and Upper City Creek Trail.
Downtown Pocatello is also charming and has a lot to offer.
3. Caldwell
Caldwell is also on the list for being one of the most affordable places to live in Idaho.
It is located just 30 miles from Boise.
The average median household income in Caldwell is $55,069.
The average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Caldwell is $850.
There are nearly 59,900 people residing in Caldwell.
The town of Caldwell has a lot to offer its residents, including Whittenberger Park, various restaurants, shops, and even museums.
4. Idaho Falls
Next on the list for being one of the most affordable places to live in Idaho is Idaho Falls.
The average household income here is $46,882.
It is just slightly more expensive than Caldwell and has nearly 65,000 residents living here.
If you do choose to move to Idaho Falls, you can check out the Idaho Falls Zoo, the Museum of Idaho, and even the Idaho Falls Riverwalk.
The average cost of a home in Idaho Falls is $383,000.
5. Nampa
Number five city for being one of the cheapest places to live in Idaho – Nampa.
The average rent paid for a one-bedroom in Nampa is $1,403.
It’s located only 20 miles from Boise.
The average household income is $46,882.
There are 100,200 residents living in Nampa.
Living here gives you the benefit of enjoying various activities without living in a metro area.
Various activities await you, including the Warhawk Air Museum, the Ford Idaho Center, and Lake Lowell.
6. Burley
Burley also tops the list as an extremely affordable city in Idaho.
The median household income in Burley is $48,265.
The average property tax paid is $705.
It is located in the southern region of Idaho, just outside the Snake River.
Burley is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, as there is so much to do.
You can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and even hiking right along the river.
There are also yearly events that take place in Burley, such as the Spudman Triathlon, which attracts more than 2,000 visitors.
7. Blackfoot
Blackfoot, Idaho is also another affordable town to live in.
The median household income is $48,750.
The average property tax paid here is $957.
Blackfoot is known as the potato capital of the world as it has the largest potato industry compared to other locations.
Those interested in learning more about the potato industry can check out the Idaho Potato Museum.
But Blackfoot has more than just potatoes to offer, including a skate park and Jensen Lake.
8. Jerome
Jerome, Idaho, is next on the list for being one of the most affordable places to live.
The median household income is $45,148.
The home price-to-income ratio is 2.85.
Jerome is located within Jerome County and is known as a small town.
Even though it’s a small and affordable place to live, there are a lot of things to do.
You’ll find everything, from parks and grocery stores to churches and restaurants.
In addition, Jerome County Fairgrounds hosts various events throughout the year, the annual rodeo being one of them.
9. Chubbuck
Chubbuck, Idaho, has a median household income of $59,459 and is known as one of the cheapest places to live in the state.
The average property tax paid here is $1,622.
It’s also a small town located just to the north of Pocatello.
Chubbuck has a lot to offer residents living here, such as a children’s museum, parks, a splash pad, and more.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll be glad to hear that the mountains are located just to the east of Chubbuck, which is ideal for hiking and breathtaking views.
10. Ammon
Ammon is on the list for being one of the cheapest places to live in Idaho and for very good reasons.
The median household income in Ammon is $67,545.
The average property tax paid is $1,535.
It is located just to the east of Idaho Falls.
Ammon offers plenty of parks and newly built housing.
It is known as one of the fastest-growing towns in the state of Idaho.
Ammon is ideal for those looking for an affordable, peaceful town without the hustle and bustle of neighboring cities.
11. Weiser
Weiser is another town that provides residents with a low cost of living.
It is also known as a friendly city that has plenty of access to outdoor activities.
The average rent for a one-bedroom is $650.
Two-bedroom apartments typically cost around $825 a month.
Weiser is a town located within Washington County, situated right on the border of Oregon.
Weiser also has a rich agricultural scene.
It has a huge potato farming industry.
Other significant industries in town include education, retail, and healthcare.
12. Preston
Preston is located in the southern region of Idaho and is situated along the Utah border.
It is also known as one of the most affordable towns to live in.
For those looking for rent, you can expect to pay an average of $655 a month.
The median household income is around $48,113, which is slightly below the state’s average.
Preston is known for having beautiful weather and plenty of outdoor activities.
It also has a low unemployment rate, so you won’t have any problems finding a good job.
13. Payette
Last on the list for being one of the most affordable in the state of Idaho is Payette.
It is located just an hour from Boise.
Housing prices in Payette are well below the national average.
The average rent paid in Payette is $761.
Payette is known as one of the most affordable towns for those looking to rent a home or apartment.
There are plenty of things to do in Payette, including Payette County Museum, Portia Club, and Scotch Pines Golf Course.
Idaho Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Idaho Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall cost of living in Idaho?
The cost of living in Idaho is 6% below the national average.
Housing is nearly 12% below the national average.
Also, utilities are 18% below the national average, making this an extremely affordable place to live.
As far as necessities, including clothing and food, residents benefit from costs that are 4% below the national average.
Does Idaho offer any housing programs for financial assistance?
Yes, you can find affordable housing programs in Idaho.
The Idaho Housing and Finance Association provides rental assistance programs that can help families considered low-income.
This program also helps disabled and elderly people obtain affordable, decent housing.
What is the housing affordability index in Idaho?
The current housing affordability index in Idaho is 84.00.
This is an -18.60% difference from the previous year.
