5 Most Affordable Places to Live in Idaho in 2024

From the magnificent landscapes of the Sawtooth Mountains to the sparkling lakes and small-town charm, Idaho is a wonderful state to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. If you’re considering living somewhere in Idaho then chances are you also have a budget you’re hoping to stay under in your home or apartment search. As of June, the median home sale price in Idaho is $488,500. 

If that number is out of your budget, don’t worry, we’ve got options to help you find the right place to buy a home. Redfin has compiled a list of the 5 of the most affordable places to live in Idaho. And they all have a median home sale price under $488,500. From Twin Falls to Caldwell, let’s jump in and see what cities are on the list.

#1: Pocatello

Median home price: $315,000
Average sale price per square foot: $192
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $950
Median household income: $46,882
Nearest major metro: Boise (235 miles)
Pocatello, ID homes for sale
Pocatello, ID apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $315,000, Pocatello takes the number one spot on our list of affordable places to live in Idaho. Located in the southeast portion of the state, this city is a great area to consider if you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors. When living in this city of 56,300 people, you can hike one of the many trails like Cusick Creek Trail, City Creek Loop Trail, or Upper City Creek Trail, and check out the charming downtown area.

#2: Idaho Falls

Median home price: $335,000
Median household income: $46,882
Nearest major metro: Boise (260 miles)
Idaho Falls, ID homes for sale
Idaho Falls, ID apartments for rent

Idaho’s second most affordable city to live in is Idaho Falls. With roughly 64,800 residents in Idaho Falls, make sure to visit the Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park. You can also explore the exhibits at the Museum of Idaho, enjoy a stroll along the Idaho Falls Riverwalk, and take in the scenic beauty of Snake River Greenbelt.

#3: Twin Falls

Median home price: $356,450
Average sale price per square foot: $235
Median household income: $50,839
Nearest major metro: Boise (130 miles)
Twin Falls, ID homes for sale
Twin Falls, ID apartments for rent

A bit more expensive than Idaho Falls, Twin Falls is the third spot on our list of affordable places to live in Idaho. About 130 miles away from Boise, the nearest major metro, Twin Falls is home to roughly 51,800 people. If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to enjoy the gorgeous nature sites like Shoshone Falls Park and Twin Falls Park and hike the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail. You can also explore downtown Twin Falls and get a bird’s eye view of the Snake River from Perrine Memorial Bridge.

#4: Caldwell 

Median home price: $395,000
Average sale price per square foot: $234
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $850
Median household income: $55,069
Nearest major metro: Boise (30 miles)
Caldwell, ID homes for sale
Caldwell, ID apartments for rent

Fourth on our list is Caldwell, where about 59,900 people currently reside. The median home sale price is $395,000 which is about $90K less than the median home sale price in Idaho. If you find yourself moving here, check out parks like Whittenberger Park, spend the day at Lake Lowell, and visit the charming shops, local restaurants, and museums in downtown Caldwell.

#5: Nampa

Median home price: $407,000
Average sale price per square foot: $247
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,403
Median household income: $46,882
Nearest major metro: Boise (20 miles)
Nampa, ID homes for sale
Nampa, ID apartments for rent

The final city on our list of affordable places to live in Idaho is Nampa, just 20 miles outside of Boise. With 100,200 residents, moving to this affordable city gives you the perks of city-life without living in a major metropolitan area. In Nampa, you can visit the Warhawk Air Museum, enjoy the outdoor activities at Lake Lowell, and attend an event or concert at the Ford Idaho Center.

Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Idaho. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during June 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

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