The Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in Idaho

Although best known for its potatoes, Idaho has so much more to offer than spuds! Between its mountains, rivers, and canyons, you can travel anywhere in the state and be awed by its natural beauty. If you’re looking for your first home or for a place to spend your golden years, look no further than this Pacific Northwest State! NewHomeSource has compiled the top 10 most affordable cities in Idaho to help inform your choice.

1. Burley

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.65

Average Property Tax: $705

Median Household Income: $48,265

Burley tops the list of the most affordable cities in Idaho. Located in southern Idaho along the Snake River, outdoor activities reign supreme; enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing along the river! Burley also hosts the annual Spudman Triathlon, which draws nearly 2,000 participants every year.

2. Blackfoot

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.80

Average Property Tax: $957

Median Household Income: $48,750

Welcome to the Potato Capital of the World! Blackfoot has the largest potato industry in any area, earning it the spud crown. To learn more about the city’s thriving potato industry, check out the Idaho Potato Museum. There’s more to Blackfoot than potatoes, of course, so you will want to visit Jensen Lake and the surrounding park, including a skate park.

3. Jerome

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.85

Average Property Tax: $953

Median Household Income: $45,148

Jerome is a small city in south-central Idaho and the county seat of Jerome County. You’ll find all your urban amenities here, from restaurants, places of worship, parks, and grocery stores. Jerome County Fairgrounds acts as the community’s hubs, hosting events throughout the year, including the annual rodeo.

4. Pocatello

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.18

Average Property Tax: $1,363

Median Household Income: $46,617

Pocatello is a thriving city of over 55,000 residents and plenty of activities. If you’re a fan of museums, you’ll be pleased to learn that Pocatello has multiple museums where you can browse to your heart’s content: Idaho Museum of Natural History, Fort Hall Commemorative Trading Post, and Museum of Clean. Pocatello is also home to a zoo, sports stadiums, and scenic hiking trails.

5. Idaho Falls

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.10

Average Property Tax: $1,267

Median Household Income: $53,148

You will find many reasons to love Idaho Falls. This large city encompasses a portion of the Snake River, so you can expect plenty of riverside parks and opportunities to kayak, swim, fish, and more. Entertainment is never far away in Idaho Falls; visit the zoo, aquarium, and river walk. Like Pocatello, Idaho Falls has a collection of museums including the Museum of Idaho, Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, and Collectors Corner Museum.

6. Twin Falls

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.19

Average Property Tax: $1,296

Median Household Income: $50,739

Not to be confused with Idaho Falls, Twin Falls is located just south of Jerome. Considered the gateway to Snake River Canyon, the northern border of the city leads to the Snake River and Canyon River Trail, where you can experience the best of Idaho’s natural beauty. As you venture into town, you can enjoy botanical gardens, parks, and golf courses.

7. Chubbuck

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.97

Average Property Tax: $1,622

Median Household Income: $59,459

Chubbuck is a little community located north of Pocatello. Discover an abundance of parks that children will find delightful, including a children’s museum and splash pad – and much more. With mountains to the east, you never have to travel far to find great hiking trails and dramatic views.

8. Ammon

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.95

Average Property Tax: $1,535

Median Household Income: $67,545

East of Idaho Falls, you’ll find the city “where tomorrow begins” – Ammon! With plenty of amenities, including nine parks, and new housing, Ammon is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. Those who prefer to live near Idaho Falls without the hustle and bustle may enjoy moving to the quieter city of Ammon.

9. Caldwell

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.11

Average Property Tax: $1,311

Median Household Income: $49,046

Caldwell is a sizable city located in Western Idaho. As home to the College of Idaho and College of Western Idaho, Caldwell has all the liveliness you’d expect from a college town. The Boise River snakes along the city’s northern border, offering residents a picturesque setting for hiking and picnicking.

10. Nampa

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.42

Average Property Tax: $1,438

Median Household Income: $48,846

With over 100,000 residents calling it home, Nampa is the most populous city on our list. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring sights such as Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge and Lake Lowell. Military aviation fans’ excitement can soar as they learn about various types of planes and at the Spirit of Flight Foundation and Warhawk Air Museum. Catch a live performance at the Nampa Civic Center or play a round of golf at the 18-hole RedHawk Public Golf Course.

Cities with the Best Home Price to Income Ratio

While the list above is sorted by the lowest overall cost of living index, the following cities have the lowest home price to income ratio, meaning you can get more home for your money.

• Burley
• Blackfoot
• Jerome