Americans love Idaho! And why wouldn’t you? From scenic mountain landscapes to gems and mining, the Gem State has got it all.
In Q3 2023, Idaho’s economy grew 7%, higher than the US overall. The median home value for Idaho is $483,300. For a rich cultural experience, Boise and Moscow are some of the best places to live.
People are attracted to move here because of the expanding economy, accessible housing, and high-quality education. Also, the state’s cost of living is 6% lower than the national average. Let’s explore the best places to live in Idaho.
Best Places to Live in Idaho in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the top areas in Idaho to live in. We’ve considered the community well-being score, median home price, monthly expenses, and the population of the cities.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Meridian | 134,801 | $542,450 | $8,517 | 65/100 |
| 2. | Boise | 235,421 | $520,000 | $8,223 | 59/100 |
| 3. | Idaho Falls | 68,001 | $375,000 | $7,428 | 57/100 |
| 4. | Pocatello | 58,064 | $334,900 | $6,960 | 49/100 |
| 5. | Coeur d'Alene | 56,894 | $545,000 | $7,952 | 56/100 |
| 6. | Twin falls | 54,943 | $365,000 | $7,339 | 54/100 |
| 7. | Nampa | 114,268 | $415,000 | $7,650 | 50/100 |
| 8. | Moscow | 26,387 | $530,000 | $7,492 | 51/100 |
| 9. | Eagle | 32,319 | $748,000 | $8,517 | 65/100 |
| 10. | Lewiston | 34,836 | $382,400 | $7,842 | 52/100 |
10 Best Places to Live in Idaho
Here’s our list of the top 10 cities that offer comfortable living options in the Gem State:
#1 Meridian
- Median Home Price: $542,450[2]
- Median Household Income in Meridian: $93,296[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 65/100[6]
- Popular Zip Code in Meridian, ID: 90015
Meridian is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, and the best city to live in Idaho. It is at a drivable distance from lakes, mountains, and deserts. So, it offers several outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, and fishing. The cost of living is 9% above the national average.
The average salary in the city is $3,793 per month. The construction, consumer goods, and hotel management sectors are crucial to the local economy. Hill Construction Company and Scentsy are major employers.
» Meridian Homes for Sale: Find your home in this vibrant city.
#2 Boise
- Median Home Price: $520,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Boise: $76,402[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 59/100[6]
- Popular Zip Codes in Boise, ID: 83704 | 83712
The state capital has it all, from good schools to great jobs, which makes it one of the best places to live in Idaho. With a low unemployment rate of 3.6%, the city’s economy is strong. Utilities also cost 17% lower than nationwide.
Moreover, Boise is big on art and culture. Enthusiasts can visit the Egyptian Theatre and enjoy their time at the Boise Art Museum. Healthcare, IT, and power are crucial sectors. Key employers include Idaho Power, Healthwise, and Micron Technology.
» Boise Homes for Sale: View thousands of property listings in the City of Trees.
#3 Idaho Falls
- Median Home Price: $375,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Idaho Falls: $66,463[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 57/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Idaho Falls, ID: 83401 | 83402 | 83404
The heart of eastern Idaho, Idaho Falls is the commercial epicenter of the state. The unemployment rate in the city is just 3%. Scientech, Idahoan, Mountain View Hospital, etc. are the top recruiters in the city across the IT, healthcare, and food production sectors.
The living costs are 16% below the national average. Besides, the city is home to Idaho State University and Eastern Idaho Technical College. This makes it one of the best places to live in Idaho for families.
» Idaho Falls Homes for Sale: View thousands of property listings.
#4 Pocatello
- Median Home Price: $334,900[2]
- Median Household Income in Pocatello: $56,115[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 49/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Pocatello, ID: 83201 | 83204 | 83202
A hotspot for outdoor recreation, Pocatello sits between the Portneuf Range and Caribou-Targhee National Forest. You can enjoy activities like biking, trekking, and hiking.
One of the best places to live in Idaho, the cost of living is 17% lower than the national average. It is also home to the Idaho State University, which offers over 280 programs. Education, semiconductor manufacturing, and insurance are the fastest-growing sectors in the city.
» Pocatello Homes for Sale: Find homes in the Gateway to the North West.
#5 Coeur d’Alene
- Median Home Price: $545,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Coeur d’Alene: $65,786[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 56/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Coeur d’Alene, ID: 83814 | 83815 | 83816
Coeur d’Alene or CDA offers a resort-like lifestyle with serene views of the lake adjacent to the city. Due to its location, the city offers outdoor activities like fishing and boating. Besides that, tourism and hospitality are the major contributing sectors of the economy.
CDA offers a luxurious and laid-back lifestyle, primarily due to its proximity to the lake. The Silverwood Theme Park is a popular spot, and the Coeur d’Alene Resort is famous for its floating golf green.
» Coeur d’Alene Homes for Sale: Find your ideal home in one of the best towns to live in Idaho.
#6 Twin Falls
- Median Home Price: $365,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Twin Falls: $58,024[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 54/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Twin Falls, ID: 83301 | 83338
The median home price in Twin Falls is 14% lower, and the cost of living 7%, than the national average. This makes it one of the best places to live in Idaho for retirees. It also offers serene views of the Snake River Canyon and Shoshone Falls.
Besides this, with a low unemployment rate of 3.7%, the city’s economy is strong. Education and manufacturing are the major industries, with top employers like Glanbia Foods, Twin Falls School District 411, Xavier Charter School, etc.
» Twin Falls Homes for Sale: View thousands of listings in one of the best cities to live in Idaho.
#7 Nampa
- Median Home Price: $415,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Nampa: $67,346[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 50/100[6]
- Popular Zip Code in Nampa, ID: 83686
Nampa is the 3rd most populous city in the state. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local economy due to the fertile land. Nampa is also home to the College of Western Idaho and the Northwest Nazarene University.
The Ford Idaho Center is an important spot for events. It hosts concerts, sports, and even a top national rodeo.
» Nampa Homes for Sale: View thousands of listings in the Heart of Treasure Valley.
#8 Moscow
- Median Home Price: $530,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Moscow: $53,679[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 51/100[6]
- Popular Zip Code in Moscow, ID: 83843
Moscow is a city that perfectly blends a small-town atmosphere with a vibrant cultural scene. It hosts the annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival and the Moscow Farmers’ Market.
Moreover, the cost of living is 9% lower than the national average. Most local jobs are in education, healthcare, and public administration. The largest employer is the University of Idaho, followed by the Gritman Medical Center and the Moscow School District.
» Moscow Homes for Sale: Find your home in this culturally rich and dynamic city.
#9 Eagle
- Median Home Price: $748,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Eagle: $114,271[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 65/100[6]
- Popular Zip Code in Eagle, ID: 83616
Eagle is a charming suburb of Boise, nestled between the Boise River and the foothills. Its mild climate allows for year-round outdoor recreation, which includes golfing, kayaking, and skiing at nearby resorts. Hiking, biking, and riverwalks are also popular among locals.
The high median home price reflects the area’s desirability and the quality of life. The city is also actively building a community-owned fiber network to enhance remote work. Its main employers operate in healthcare, retail, dining, and professional services.
» Eagle Homes for Sale: Explore properties in this picturesque and vibrant suburb.
#10 Lewiston
- Median Home Price: $382,400[2]
- Median Household Income in Lewiston: $63,109[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 52/100[6]
- Popular Zip Code in Lewiston, ID: 83501
Lewiston, Idaho’s only seaport, is highly picturesque and located at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. This has made riverfront activities, like boating and fishing, popular among locals. The cost of living is 11% lower than the national average.
In addition, the city has a thriving economy with a low unemployment rate of 3.6%. Key industries include manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Major employers are the Clearwater Paper Corporation and the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
» Lewiston Homes for Sale: Discover homes in this historic and outdoor-friendly city.
Best Places to Live in Idaho Based on Demographics
We have researched the best places for single families, young professionals, and retirees. The cities are ranked on parameters like education, employment opportunities, and healthcare facilities.
| Demographic | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| Single Families | Boise | Moscow | Meridian |
| Young Professionals | Coeur d’Alene | Garden City | Eagle |
| Retirees | Burley | Chubbuck | Jerome |
Is Idaho the Right Place for Your Next Move?
Idaho is the best place to live in the US due to its thriving job market and low cost of living. Other things that contribute are its excellent employment market and outdoor recreational opportunities.
The Gem State is ranked as the 6th happiest state in the US. The median home price is around $484K, however, it is inconsistent throughout the state, starting in a ballpark of $300K and going up to millions. So, you must do your research before you move to Idaho.
With the current low mortgage rate of 6.25%, there is an increase in the home-buying demand in Idaho. So, to make your offer stand out from the competition, you must get a mortgage pre-approval.
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Research Methodology for Best Places to Live in Idaho
We considered different regions to rank the best places to live in Idaho. The comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Idaho and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Idaho Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Redfin[2]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[3]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[4]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[5]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Idaho for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, and retirees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Idaho a good place to live?
Yes, the Gem State is a good place to live. The cost of living is 6% lower than the national average. Meridian, Boise, and Idaho Falls are some of the best places in Idaho.
Which is best city to live in Idaho?
Meridian is the best city to live in Idaho. Its construction, consumer goods, and hotel management are among the top sectors of employment.
What are the nicest parts of Idaho to live in?
The best parts to live in Idaho are the southwestern and southeastern regions. They include cities like Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and more.
What is the nicest but cheapest place to live in Idaho?
Pocatello is one of the cheapest places and among the best towns to live in Idaho. It has a cost of living 10.8% below the national average.
