Bern, ID Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Bern, ID Utility & Living Guide

Living in Bern, Idaho offers a peaceful and serene environment with a strong sense of community.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$250/mo
1BR Rent$900/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index94 (-6% below national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$280,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Bern
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📷 Live Cameras — Bern
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Bern
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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

Bear Lake County Water District
🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

Bear Lake County Sanitation
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead $250/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms$1800/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate0.9%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Bern is relatively small, with limited options for renters and buyers. However, the area is growing in popularity, and new developments are being built to accommodate the increasing demand. Overall, the market is considered stable and affordable.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

94

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-6% below national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

88

Healthcare

110

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate0.9%
<p>State 6% + no County or City tax</p>

Idaho has a state income tax rate of 6.925%, with a top marginal rate of 6.925%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Low, with key industries in agriculture and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Job creation, infrastructure development, environmental conservation
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transportation is limited, but the area is relatively flat and easy to navigate with a stroller.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Bear Lake
  • 🎯
    Paris Ice Cave
  • 🎯
    Bear Lake National Forest

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around Bear Lake is popular for families, with easy access to outdoor recreational activities and a strong sense of community. The town of Paris is also a desirable area, with a charming downtown and a variety of community events.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Bern based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Zoning laws and building codes are in place to preserve the area’s natural beauty and rural character.

The current financial trend in Bern is a steady growth in property values, driven by the area's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. However, the local economy is also facing challenges related to limited job opportunities and a lack of diversity in industries.

Financial Tools

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📊 Bern — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Bern tend to be higher in the winter months due to heating needs, with an average increase of 20-30% from December to February. In the summer, costs are relatively stable, with a slight increase in electricity usage for cooling.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 83220 has a property tax millage rate of 0.85%, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, with wide sidewalks and easy access to parks, but limited elevator access in public buildings and a lack of dedicated bike lanes.

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