Moving from Rapid City to Idaho Falls (2026)
Idaho Falls has a COL index of 87 vs 88 for Rapid City (100 = US average). You'd pay about 1% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Idaho Falls to match your Rapid City lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Rapid City | Equivalent in Idaho Falls |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,545 |
| $50K | $49,432 |
| $60K | $59,318 |
| $75K | $74,148 |
| $80K | $79,091 |
| $100K | $98,864 |
| $120K | $118,636 |
| $150K | $148,295 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Rapid City vs Idaho Falls
| Expense | Rapid City | Idaho Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,378 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $365 | $365 |
| Transport | $40 | $35 |
| Utilities | $148 | $142 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,923 | $2,671 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Idaho Falls cheaper than Rapid City?
Yes. Idaho Falls has a cost of living index of 87 vs 88 for Rapid City (100 = US average). That's about 1% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Rapid City to Idaho Falls?
On a $75K salary, moving from Rapid City to Idaho Falls could save roughly $111/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,332/year.
What salary do I need in Idaho Falls to match my Rapid City lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Rapid City, you'd need roughly $74,148/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