CostIndexUSA

Idaho Falls, ID vs Washington, DC Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

More AffordableID
Idaho Falls
94.4
overall index
$1,400/mo rent
DC
Washington
108.9
overall index
$2,325/mo rent

Idaho Falls is significantly cheaper than Washington — 15.4% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Idaho Falls, you would need $92,300 in Washington. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing+79.9%
Idaho Falls
84
Washington
151.1
🛒 Groceries+8.9%
Idaho Falls
96.2
Washington
104.8
🚗 Transportation+3.4%
Idaho Falls
103.9
Washington
107.4
🏥 Healthcare+3.4%
Idaho Falls
94
Washington
97.2
Utilities+53.1%
Idaho Falls
69.7
Washington
106.7

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Idaho Falls to see what you'd need to earn in Washington to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Washington, DC
$92,300
$12,300 more needed in Washington

Formula: salary × (108.9 ÷ 94.4) = salary × 1.1536. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Idaho Falls, ID

Median Home Price
$399,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,400
Housing Index
84
Price-to-Rent Ratio
23.8×

Washington, DC

Median Home Price
$567,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,325
Housing Index
151.1
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.3×

Washington has 79.9% higher housing costs compared to Idaho Falls.

Income & Job Market

Idaho Falls, ID

Median Household Income
$75,800
Per Capita Income
$43,200
Unemployment Rate
2.1%
Population
64,818
Top Industries
EnergyHealthcareAgricultureRetailGovernment

Washington, DC

Median Household Income
$121,500
Per Capita Income
$69,300
Unemployment Rate
4%
Population
689,545
Top Industries
GovernmentFinanceTechnologyHealthcareDefense

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Idaho Falls, ID
4.5×income-to-rent ratio

78% of income left after rent (median)

Washington, DC
4.4×income-to-rent ratio

77% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.