Idaho Falls & Eastern Idaho Cost of Living in 2026: What It 

Really Costs

If you’re considering a move to Idaho Falls or anywhere in Eastern Idaho in 2026, one of the first questions you probably have is:


What does it actually cost to live there?

In this guide, we’ll break down the real cost of living in Idaho Falls and Eastern Idaho, including nearby cities like Ammon, Rigby, and Shelley.

We’ll cover housing, rent, utilities, groceries, insurance, transportation, taxes, childcare, pets, and more — using realistic numbers and local insight so you can decide if this area fits your budget and lifestyle.

Where People Are Moving From

Most people relocating to Eastern Idaho are coming from:

• California
  
  
• Washington
  
  
• Oregon
  
  
• Utah
  
  
• Texas
  
  

West Coast movers are usually focused on housing affordability and space, while many people moving from Texas are surprised by how different Idaho’s property tax structure is.

Home Prices in Eastern Idaho (2026)

Housing is the biggest cost for most families.

Across the major counties in Eastern Idaho, the average sold home price is around $425,000.

For that price, buyers are often surprised by:

• Larger homes
  
  
• Bigger yards
  
  
• More new construction options
  
  

While Eastern Idaho isn’t “cheap Idaho” anymore, homeownership here is still far more attainable than in many major metro areas across the West and Texas.

Prices vary by city:

• Idaho Falls offers a mix of established neighborhoods and new builds
  
  
• Ammon has strong new construction growth
  
  
• Rigby and Shelley can offer slightly different price points depending on lot size and location
  
  

Rent Costs in Idaho Falls & Eastern Idaho

If you plan to rent first, here’s what most people see:

Apartments

• $1,000–$2,000 per month
  
  
• Depends on bedrooms, age, and location
  
  

Single-Family Homes

• Older homes: around $1,500/month
  
  
• Newer homes with basements: $2,000–$3,000/month
  
  

Most rentals in Eastern Idaho are managed by property management companies, not real estate agents. If you need help finding a reputable property manager, that’s something I can help with.

Utilities & Internet Costs

To keep this realistic, these numbers are based on an actual Idaho Falls utility bill.

While exact costs vary, most of Eastern Idaho is very similar.

Average Monthly Utilities

• City utilities (water, sewer, electric, trash, irrigation, fiber fee): ~$232
  
  
• Natural gas (furnace, fireplace, water heaters, stove): ~$60
• 
  
  Total utilities: about $290/month, even with a hot tub
  
  

Internet

• Fiber internet: $49/month for 1 gig up / 1 gig down
  
  
• Availability depends on location
  
  
• Rural areas may rely on Starlink
  
  

If internet speed matters (especially for remote work), it’s important to choose the right neighborhood.

Insurance Costs in Idaho

Auto Insurance

• Roughly $80–$100 per month on average
  
  

Homeowners Insurance

• Typical homes: $1,000–$2,000 per year
  
  
• Large homes (5,000+ sq ft): $3,500–$6,000 per year
  
  

Actual costs depend on coverage, location, and home size, but these ranges give a solid estimate.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery spending depends heavily on household size:

• Married couple: $600–$980 per month
  
  
• Family of four: $1,000–$1,600 per month
  
  

Gas & Transportation

Gas prices in Eastern Idaho are generally lower than many states people are moving from.


Typical prices:

• Regular: $2.70–$2.80
  
  
• Mid-grade: $3.00
  
  
• Premium: $3.25–$3.30
  
  
• Diesel: $3.00
  
  Most people rely on a vehicle here, and one thing newcomers should plan for is winter driving.
  
  
  You’ll likely need:
  
  

• Dedicated winter tires, or
  
  
• Snow-rated all-season tires
  
  

Wages & Job Market in Eastern Idaho

Eastern Idaho has a stable, diverse job market.



Typical wage ranges:

• Healthcare & skilled trades: $25–$40/hour
  
  
• Manufacturing & technical roles: $20–$30/hour
  
  
• Professional & engineering roles: $80k–$120k+
  
  
• Retail & service: $15–$20/hour
  
  

Remote workers often find Eastern Idaho especially affordable when paired with out-of-state salaries.

Taxes & Property Taxes Explained

State Taxes

• Income tax: flat ~5.3%
  
  
• Sales tax: 6% (average combined just over 6%)
  
  

Property Taxes & Homeowner’s Exemption

If the home is your primary residence, Idaho offers a $125,000 homeowner’s exemption.



That means:

Assessed value – $125,000 = taxable value

Real-world examples:

• $425k home: $2,200–$2,700/year
  
  
• 5,000+ sq ft home (city): up to $6,000/year
  
  
• 5,000+ sq ft home (county): $3,000–$4,000/year
• 
  
  This is one of the biggest differences for people moving from Texas.
  
  

Idaho Is a Non-Disclosure State

Idaho is a non-disclosure state, meaning final sale prices aren’t publicly recorded.

Online home values are estimates, not guaranteed numbers.

Costs People Often Forget

Childcare (Idaho Averages)

• Infant care: $800–$1,200/month
  
  
• Toddler care: $700–$1,000/month
  
  
• Preschool: $600–$900/month
  
  

Availability can be tight, especially for infants.

Pets 🐶🐱

Eastern Idaho is generally very pet-friendly, with yards, trails, and outdoor space being part of everyday life. If you have pets, neighborhood choice can matter more than cost.

Other Often-Forgotten Costs

• Winter tires
  
  
• Internet availability in rural areas
  
  
• HOA fees in newer subdivisions
  
  

Final Thoughts: Is Eastern Idaho Worth It in 2026?

Idaho Falls and Eastern Idaho can offer a lower overall cost of living in 2026, especially when it comes to housing and everyday expenses but it really depends on your income, lifestyle, and expectations.


If you’re thinking about moving to Idaho Falls or anywhere in Eastern Idaho whether your timeline is 9 days, 90 days, or further out I’m always happy to answer questions and help you understand both the area and the real estate side of the move.