Idaho Living Report — July 20, 2026

Idaho has quietly become one of the most talked-about relocation destinations in the West, drawing a steady stream of new residents with its mix of rugged landscapes and relatively affordable living. With a population of roughly 1.85 million spread across a state that includes 268 tracked cities by Finklick, the Gem State offers a distinct alternative to the high costs and congestion of the Pacific Coast. But what does the reality of living here actually look like for someone considering a move?

The cost of living in Idaho remains a primary draw, though it is no longer the bargain it once was. The median home value sits at $331,600, a figure that has risen sharply in recent years but still undercuts many Western states. For renters, the median price for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,061 per month. An affordability analysis using the state’s median household income of $70,214 reveals that a typical renter would spend about 18 percent of their gross monthly income on that one-bedroom—well below the 30 percent threshold often considered the ceiling for housing affordability. This suggests that rent is manageable for many, though homeownership requires a more significant financial commitment, particularly for first-time buyers in fast-growing areas like Boise or Coeur d’Alene.

The job market in Idaho is competitive, with an unemployment rate that consistently ranks among the lowest in the nation. This tight labor market has attracted both employers and workers, particularly in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and outdoor recreation. The median age of 36.9 reflects a relatively young, working-age population, and the state’s poverty rate of 10.7 percent is slightly below the national average. These figures point to an economy that, while

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Browse utility costs, housing data, Census demographics, and climate data for all 268 tracked cities in Idaho.

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 20, 2026.

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