Cost of Living: Idaho Falls vs Houston (2026)
Idaho Falls has a 8% lower overall cost of living than Houston as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,100/mo in Idaho Falls vs $1,350/mo in Houston — a 19% difference. Houston has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in Idaho Falls (5.8% rate).
- Idaho Falls is 8% cheaper overall (COL index: 87 vs 95)
- 1BR rent: $1,100/mo in Idaho Falls vs $1,350/mo — 19% savings
- Houston has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: Houston ($56,000/yr vs $56,000/yr)
- Median home price: $280,000 in Houston vs $310,000 — 10% difference
| Category | Idaho Falls Idaho | Houston Texas |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $900Best | $1,050 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,100Best | $1,350 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,450Best | $1,700 |
| Median home price | $310K | $280KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 96 | 94Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12Best | $12 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $50Best | $50 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $35Best | $90 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.40 | $3.10Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $132Best | $190 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $142Best | $175 |
| Internet/mo | $65Best | $65 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $56KBest | $56K |
| State income tax% | 5.8% | 0.0%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 6.0%Best | 8.3% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $13.00Best | $15.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $33Best | $35 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.50Best | $6.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 87Best | 95 |
| Walk score / 100 | 18 | 49Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Idaho Falls cheaper than Houston?
Yes. Idaho Falls is 8% cheaper than Houston based on overall cost of living indices (87 vs 95, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Idaho Falls vs Houston?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Idaho Falls is $1,100/month and in Houston is $1,350/month. Idaho Falls is cheaper by 19%.
How much do I need to earn in Houston to match a $75,000 salary in Idaho Falls?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $81,897/year in Houston to match a $75,000 salary in Idaho Falls. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Idaho Falls or Houston?
Houston has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 5.8%. Houston has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Idaho Falls to Houston?
It depends on your priorities. Idaho Falls offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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