Cobalt, ID Utility & Living Guide

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Cobalt, ID Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$280/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Cobalt
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Cobalt
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$130/mo

Idaho Power
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Cobalt Water District
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$2000/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Cobalt is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. However, the town’s small size means that inventory can be limited. Rentals are also available, but may be scarce during peak season.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

100

Transportation

95

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$900

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 a top rate of 6.925%, but no local income tax

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including tourism, healthcare, and retail
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, job market, environmental protection
🚌 Transit for Families

Cobalt has limited public transportation, but the town is relatively small and walkable, with some sidewalks and bike lanes

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Sawtooth National Forest
  • 🎯
    Salmon River
  • 🎯
    Cobalt Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a mix of old and new homes, with easy access to amenities and outdoor recreation. The area around Cobalt Park is also popular with families.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Financial Tools

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📊 Cobalt — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Cobalt can fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity costs in the summer due to air conditioning and higher heating costs in the winter. However, the town's mild climate means that these fluctuations are relatively moderate compared to other parts of the country.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 83229 has a property tax millage rate of 1.1%, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10, with explanation: Cobalt has some sidewalks and bike lanes, but the town's small size and limited infrastructure can make it challenging for families with strollers to get around

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