Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Idaho's overall cost of living index is about 95.5, slightly below the national average of 100.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Idaho | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 95.5 | 100 |
- •Idaho has been one of the fastest-growing states in the country over the past decade, putting upward pressure on local housing costs.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in Idaho are now roughly in line with the national average after years of rapid price growth.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Idaho | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 90 | 100 |
- •Idaho's home prices roughly doubled between 2015 and 2023, among the fastest increases of any state.
Utility Costs
Idaho has some of the lowest electricity prices in the country, thanks to abundant hydropower, at about 10.7 cents per kWh.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (West region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU040072610).
| Indicator | Idaho | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 70.4 | 100 |
| Residential electricity price (¢/kWh) | 10.7 | 16 |
- •Idaho gets roughly half of its electricity from hydropower, among the highest shares in the nation.
Food Costs
Grocery costs in Idaho run slightly below the national average, with a typical monthly bill near $400.
Food price index (West region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, West region, annual average (CUUR0400SAF1).
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
| Indicator | Idaho | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 96.3 | 100 |
- •Idaho grows about a third of the nation's potatoes, a signature crop reflected in the state's license plates.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in Idaho are slightly below the national average, with an index near 90.
Medical care price index (West region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, West region, annual average (CUUR0400SAM).
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in Idaho are close to the national average, with gas prices near $3.75 a gallon.
Regular gasoline price
1993–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Rocky Mountain region (PADD 4), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R40_DPG).
| Indicator | Idaho | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.42 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |