Idaho attracts Americans from all over. And there’s a good reason why: Affordable utilities, cheaper homes, and low cost of living. You can’t go wrong with the Gem State!
Although property prices have risen in recent years, the average home value in the top 10 cheapest cities is still only around $400,000. Burley’s cost of living is 16.4% lower than the national average, and Payette is 12.1% more affordable than the rest of the country.
But that’s not all! Retirees can enjoy Ammon’s friendly community and peaceful environment, with homes averaging a nominal $398K. Meanwhile, Pocatello offers a booming job market in education, healthcare, and technology, with median home prices at just $323,781.
Cheapest Places to Live in Idaho in 2025
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to National Average | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Burley | $311,525 | $1,595 | 16.4% lower ⬇️ | $63,315 | 12,146 |
| 2. Pocatello | $323,781 | $1,025 | 10.8% lower ⬇️ | $57,931 | 58,064 |
| 3. Blackfoot | $341,051 | $1,050 | 11.5% lower ⬇️ | $69,091 | 12,999 |
| 4. Payette | $441,252 | $1,622 | 12.1% lower ⬇️ | $55,455 | 8,636 |
| 5. Twin Falls | $347,340 | $1,650 | 8.2% lower ⬇️ | $60,760 | 54,943 |
| 6. Lewiston | $364,985 | $1,350 | 5.7% lower ⬇️ | $71,047 | 34,836 |
| 7. Jerome | $360,645 | $1,835 | 10.7% lower ⬇️ | $65,343 | 13,135 |
| 8. Chubbuck | $368,359 | $1,125 | 10.8% lower ⬇️ | $78,646 | 16,362 |
| 9. Ammon | $398,845 | $1,544 | 5.7% lower ⬇️ | $84,154 | 19,617 |
| 10. Preston | $409,373 | $1,095 | 4.9% lower ⬇️ | $55,625 | 6,112 |
We have divided the top 10 most affordable places to live in Idaho into three categories: for families, for young adults, and for retirees. Each city is evaluated based on key components of the Idaho real estate market: median home value, median house rent and cost of living.
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Idaho
Here’s our list of 10 cities that offer affordable living options in the Gem State:
#1 Burley
- Median house rent is $1,595 | Rental prices range between $650 and $4,800.
- Median home value of Burley is $311,525.
- Cost of living in Burley is 16.4% cheaper than the national average.
Burley has a picturesque setting along the Snake River. Families can also enjoy serene picnics at Lake Walcott State Park. Groceries are extremely cheap and cost 9.3% less than the US median. Additionally, is a major employment hub, and home to large companies like D.L. Evans Bank and Goode Motor Ford.
» Burley Homes for Sale: Find cheap homes for sale in Burley.
#2 Pocatello
- Median house rent is $1,025 | Rental prices range between $275 and $2,900.
- Median home value of Pocatello is $323,781.
- Cost of living in Pocatello is 10.8% cheaper than the national average.
Pocatello is one of the cheapest cities to live in Idaho with transportation 25.7% cheaper than the US median. Its proximity to outdoor attractions, such as the nearby mountains and Portneuf River, enhances its appeal. Major employers like Idaho State University and Muffler Warehouse Inc. provide ample job opportunities.
» Pocatello Homes for Sale: Browse thousands of affordable and cheap homes in Idaho.
#3 Blackfoot
- Median house rent is $1,050 | Rental prices range between $700 and $2,300.
- Median home value of Blackfoot is $341,051.
- Cost of living in Blackfoot is 11.5% cheaper than the national average.
Blackfoot is Known as the ‘Potato Capital of the World’. It is celebrated at the Idaho Potato Museum, which highlights the history of potato farming. The Interstate 15 runs along its western edge and links it to other major cities like Pocatello. Jensen Grove Park also offers boating and fishing for outdoor enthusiasts.
» Blackfoot Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the most affordable cities in Idaho.
#4 Payette
- Median house rent is $1,622 | Rental prices range between $1,200 and $3,500.
- Median home value of Payette is $441,252.
- Cost of living in Payette is 12.1% cheaper than the national average.
The Payette Joint School District serves around 1,371 students across six schools. Key employers like Valley Family Health Care and WICAP also offer several jobs, which makes the city ideal for families. You could also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and hiking along the Payette River. Besides, groceries are also 9.8% cheaper than the US median.
» Payette Homes for Sale: Explore properties in inexpensive places to live in Idaho.
Use an Idaho Cost of Living Calculator to compare housing, utilities, and transportation costs. Get a detailed cost breakdown across affordable cities for free💲.
#5 Twin Falls
- Median house rent is $1,650 | Rental prices range between $700 and $4,600.
- Median home value of Twin Falls is $347,340.
- Cost of living in Twin Falls is 8.2% cheaper than the national average.
» Twin Falls Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the most affordable places to live in Idaho.
#6 Lewiston
- Median house rent is $1,350 | Rental prices range between $750 and $2,550.
- Median home value of Lewiston is $364,985.
- Cost of living in Lewiston is 5.7% cheaper than the national average.
You can comfortably live in this city with an average household income of $63,109. It is also home to Lewis–Clark State College, which makes it ideal for students and young adults. Besides, Hot August Nights and Dogwood Festival are two major annual events. Notably, it is home to key ammunition manufacturers like CCI and Speer Bullet.
» Lewiston Homes for Sale: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Idaho.
#7 Jerome
- Median house rent is $1,835 | Rental prices range between $1,350 and $1,900.
- Median home value of Jerome is $360,645.
- Cost of living in Jerome is 10.7% cheaper than the national average.
Monthly food and utilities cost ~34% less than the national average in Jerome. The Minidoka National Historic Site in Magic Valley is a key ode to the history of Japanese Americans during World War II. The city also boasts ample job opportunities at large companies like the Canyon Trail Realty and the Amalgamated Sugar Company.
» Jerome Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in one of the most affordable cities in Idaho.
#8 Chubbuck
- Median house rent is $1,125 | Rental prices range between $675 and $2,025.
- Median home value of Chubbuck is $368,359.
- Cost of living in Chubbuck is 10.8% cheaper than the national average.
Chubbuck’s Heritage Park is a key local attraction with a family-friendly environment and ample open and green spaces. The Portneuf Wellness Complex further makes it ideal for families, with recreations like fishing reservoirs and playgrounds. Besides, Idaho Central Credit Union and Woodgrain Millwork are key employers.
» Chubbuck Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the most affordable places to live in Idaho.
#9 Ammon
- Median house rent is $1,544 | Rental prices range between $1,020 and $3,107.
- Median home value of Ammon is $398,845.
- Cost of living in Ammon is 5.7% cheaper than the national average.
Ammon offers a growing job market in retail, hospitality, and healthcare. Major local employers include Walmart, Albertsons, and Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Ammon is also well connected to Pocatello, Blackfoot, and Idaho Falls via Interstate 15. This proximity to larger cities provides added job opportunities.
» Ammon Homes for Sale: Search affordable and cheap places to live in Idaho.
#10 Preston
- Median house rent is $1,095 | Rental prices range between $825 and $1,850.
- Median home value of Preston is $409,373.
- Cost of living in Preston is 4.9% cheaper than the national average.
Grocery shopping in Preston can be more cost-effective compared to other areas as it is 8.1% cheaper. Moreover, J.R. Simplot Company and Potlatch Corporation are among the leading companies in this area. Besides, you can also enjoy birdwatching and wildlife at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge as a family outing.
» Preston Homes for Sale: Find cheap houses for sale in Idaho.
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Idaho?
If you want to move to Idaho, you will find cheap houses for sale in Idaho under 200K in cities like Burley, Pocatello, and Blackfoot. They also offer stable job opportunities, and a low cost of living which is more affordable than other Idaho cities.
To make your search easier, use Houzeo, Idaho’s best home-buying website. Browse up-to-date listings, filter by budget, and make offers online in just a few clicks.
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Research Methodology
To rank the top cities in Idaho, we analyzed all the regions, evaluating them based on specific criteria. Below is a breakdown of the factors used and the sources of information that informed our rankings.
- Population: World Population Review [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow [2]
- Median Rent: Zillow [3]
- Cost of Living: Rent Cafe [4]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least expensive place to live in Idaho?
The cheapest place to live in Idaho is Burley. Utilities here are highly affordable and around 16.1% lower than the national average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Idaho: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Idaho.
Is Idaho expensive to live in?
Yes, it is somewhat expensive. The median home value is $451,003, marginally higher than the US median of $427,430. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
Where is the best place to live in Idaho?
The best places to live in Idaho are Meridan, followed by Boise, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Coeur d’Alene, Twin Falls and Nampa.
Which Idaho city has the lowest cost of living?
Burley has the lowest cost of living, which is 16.4% and 20.8% lower than the national and state average, respectively.
