The Real Cost of Living in Eastern Idaho (2026 Numbers)

TL;DR. The real cost of living in Eastern Idaho runs about 17% below the national average. Idaho Falls COL index ~83 (national=100). Median home around $340K. Rigby and Rexburg slightly lower; Ammon slightly higher; Driggs is its own market entirely (median $1.1M+). Groceries 20–30% cheaper than coastal cities. Utilities are real money — $200–$300/month combined gas+electric on a 2,400 sq ft home. State income tax 5.3% flat; sales tax 6% with no local add-ons.

The headline number — cost of living in Eastern Idaho

Idaho Falls’ cost-of-living index sits at approximately 83 (national=100), per RentCafe and BestPlaces 2026 data. That’s 17% below the national average and about 16% below the Idaho state average. For context: Boise is ~104, Salt Lake City ~110, Seattle ~155, Portland ~128, San Francisco ~244.

Housing line-by-line across Eastern Idaho towns

Groceries

Family-of-four monthly grocery spend in Idaho Falls runs ~$950 average. That’s 20–30% cheaper than coastal cities (SF family of four ~$1,600/mo; Seattle ~$1,500; Portland ~$1,200). Driggs higher (~$1,150) due to thin local grocery competition; many residents do bulk shopping at Idaho Falls Costco or Jackson Hole Albertsons.

Utilities

Combined gas+electric on a typical 2,400 sq ft home: $200–$300/mo year-round average. Winter peak (Dec–Feb) regularly $350+ if insulation is poor.

Transportation

Gas prices in Eastern Idaho run consistently lower than the West Coast — ~$3.20–$3.50/gallon mid-2026 vs $4.50+ Seattle/Portland and $5.00+ California. Vehicle registration is modest — based on vehicle age, not value. Auto insurance averages ~$1,000–$1,400/year for a clean driver. Eastern Idaho geography typically requires 2 vehicles minimum — a primary commuter + a winter-capable AWD or 4WD.

Healthcare costs

Idaho’s individual-market insurance premiums mid-range nationally. EIRMC and Mountain View accept major Idaho-market insurers. Specialty care travel to Salt Lake adds ~$500–$1,500 per trip. Telemedicine is viable. Full picture: Eastern Idaho healthcare for transplants.

Taxes

• Income tax: 5.3% flat (2025+).
• Effective property tax: ~0.49% statewide; Bonneville 0.50%, Madison 0.48%, Teton 0.31%. See our property tax deep dive.
• Sales tax: 6.0% state, no local add-ons.
• Gas tax: 32 cents/gallon (state).
• No estate tax. No state capital gains preference.

Source: Idaho State Tax Commission, Tax Foundation 2026 Idaho profile.

Family-of-four annual budget case study

Hypothetical: dual-income transplant family from California, $200K combined household income, moved to Ammon, bought a $475K home, two vehicles, two kids in Bonneville Joint #93.

Rough net: a $200K household in Ammon lives well, can comfortably save 15–20%, and has meaningful margin for skiing passes, vacations, and home upgrades. Same household in SF runs cash-flow tight on the housing line alone.

FAQ — cost of living in Eastern Idaho

1. What’s the cost of living in Eastern Idaho? Idaho Falls COL index ~83 — 17% below national average; 30–50% cheaper than coastal West Coast.

2. Is Eastern Idaho cheaper than Boise? Yes — Idaho Falls runs about 20% cheaper than Boise.

3. How much does a custom home cost? $400 per square foot and up 2026.

4. Are property taxes really low? Yes — Idaho state average 0.49% effective; Teton County 0.31%.

5. What does a family of four spend monthly? Rough estimate: $5,500–$7,500 depending on housing, kids’ activities, vehicles.

6. Are utility bills high? Moderate — $200–$300/mo combined gas+electric; winter peaks $350+ if insulation poor.