Moving from Houston to Idaho Falls (2026)
Idaho Falls has a COL index of 87 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Idaho Falls to match your Houston lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Houston | Equivalent in Idaho Falls |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,632 |
| $50K | $45,789 |
| $60K | $54,947 |
| $75K | $68,684 |
| $80K | $73,263 |
| $100K | $91,579 |
| $120K | $109,895 |
| $150K | $137,368 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Houston vs Idaho Falls
| Expense | Houston | Idaho Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,378 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $357 | $365 |
| Transport | $90 | $35 |
| Utilities | $175 | $142 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,704 | $2,671 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Idaho Falls cheaper than Houston?
Yes. Idaho Falls has a cost of living index of 87 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Houston to Idaho Falls?
On a $75K salary, moving from Houston to Idaho Falls could save roughly $330/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,960/year.
What salary do I need in Idaho Falls to match my Houston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Houston, you'd need roughly $68,684/year in Idaho Falls. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only