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
Here’s our ranking of the most affordable places to live in Idaho. We’ve considered the average household income, median list price, median house rent, and the population of the cities.
| 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 |
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 is an appealing place to live, thanks to its picturesque setting along the Snake River. Families can enjoy serene picnics at Lake Walcott State Park. With grocery costs 9.3% lower than the national median, the city offers affordability for its residents. Additionally, Burley serves as an employment hub, featuring major employers like D.L. Evans Bank and Goode Motor Ford.
» Burley Homes for Sale: Find cheap Idaho homes for sale.
#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 offers affordable transportation which is 25.7% lower than the national average, making it one of the cheapest cities to live in Idaho. 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,” celebrated at the Idaho Potato Museum, which highlights the history of potato farming. The city is connected by Interstate 15 along its western edge, linking it to other major cities like Pocatello. Jensen Grove Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring a lake for boating and fishing.
» Blackfoot Homes for Sale: Get yourself homes in 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.
With grocery costs being 9.8% lower than the US average, the city is one of the most affordable places in Idaho. The Payette Joint School District serves around 1,371 students across six schools. Outdoor activities along the scenic Payette River include fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Major employers like Valley Family Health Care and WICAP make Blackfoot an ideal spot for young adults seeking jobs.
» Payette Homes for Sale: Explore properties in inexpensive places to live in Idaho.
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#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.
Residents in Twin Falls, Idaho can marvel at the iconic Shoshone Falls, often referred to as the “Niagara of the West,” for its impressive cascades. Residents can enjoy attractions like the Twin Falls City Park and the Evel Knievel Jump Site. Additionally, the College of Southern Idaho offers quality education, making it an appealing choice for students and families.
» Twin Falls Homes for Sale: Browse through thousands of homes in Idaho for sale.
#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. A low cost of living and affordable housing have led to a population growth of 2.3% since 2020. The city is home to Lewis–Clark State College. Lewiston boasts several annual events like Hot August Nights and Dogwood Festival. Notably, it is home to ammunition manufacturers 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.
Jerome is one of the cheapest places to live in Idaho. The monthly cost of food and utilities is ~34% lower than the national average. At the Minidoka National Historic Site, visitors can explore the history of Japanese Americans during World War II. The city also boasts ample job opportunities with companies such as Canyon Trail Realty.
» Jerome Homes for Sale: Get yourself cheap homes for sale 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 utility costs are 9.1% lower than the national median. It also boasts Chubbuck boasts a family-friendly environment with Heritage Park and Portneuf Wellness Complex. For young professionals, the city is home to major employers Idaho Central Credit Union and Woodgrain Millwork.
» Chubbuck Homes for Sale: Find the cheapest city 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 is one of the affordable cities monthly costs of food and utilities 8.1% lower than the national average. Ammon, Idaho offers a growing job market, particularly in the fields of retail, hospitality, and healthcare. Major employers in the area include Walmart, Albertsons, and Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Ammon’s proximity to Idaho Falls, a larger city, also provides additional employment 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.
Preston offers an affordable cost of living and rental costs. House rent prices typically range from $1,095 – $1,650. 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 top leading companies in this area.
» 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.
Cities like Payette and Preston are slightly expensive but provide better job opportunities. You must research the home prices and living costs. Also, getting a mortgage pre-approval helps you stand out in the competition before buying a house in Idaho.
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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. It offers one of the most affordable utilities in the state, which is 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?
No, it is not. The median home value is $451,003. 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 place to live in Idaho is 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.
