Preston, ID Utility & Living Guide

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Preston, ID Utility & Living Guide

Preston is a city in Franklin County, Idaho, United States. The population was 5,591 at the 2020 census, up from 5,204 at the 2010 census. The city is the county seat of Franklin County. It is part of the Logan metropolitan area.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$260/mo
1BR Rent$900/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index96 (-4% below national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$280,000
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$130/mo

Rocky Mountain Power
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$40/mo

Preston City Water
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Franklin County Sanitation
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$260/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1100/mo
3 Bedrooms$1400/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Preston is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. The city has seen some growth in recent years, but housing prices remain lower than in larger Idaho cities. Rentals are also available, although options may be limited.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

96

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-4% below national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

88

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>State 6% + no County or City tax</p>

Idaho has a state income tax with rates ranging from 1.125% to 6.925%, but no local income taxes are imposed.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red description
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in agriculture, education, and healthcare
Top Local Concerns
water conservation, economic development, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Preston has limited public transportation options, but the city is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some sidewalks and bike lanes available.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Preston City Park
  • 🎯
    Bear River Greenway Trail
  • 🎯
    Cache Valley Center for the Arts

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a charming small-town feel, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and community events. The northwest part of the city has newer developments with more modern amenities. Overall, Preston's neighborhoods are generally quiet and family-friendly.

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📰 Live Local News

Preston has ordinances regulating zoning, building codes, and business licenses, but overall has a relatively low level of regulatory burden.

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📊 Preston — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Preston tend to be higher in winter due to heating needs, with average electricity bills increasing by 20-30% from December to February. In contrast, summer months see lower utility bills, with a focus on water conservation during the dry season.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 83263 has a property tax millage rate of 1.1%, with no local surtaxes imposed by Franklin County or the city of Preston.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6/10: while Preston has some sidewalks and bike lanes, the city's infrastructure is not extensively designed for stroller accessibility, and some areas may lack elevators or ramps in public buildings.

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