📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Idaho Falls and Houston
Head-to-Head Analysis
Idaho Falls vs Houston
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Idaho Falls | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $63,049 | $62,637 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% | 4.8% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $358,900 | $335,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $161 | $175 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $903 | $1,135 |
| Housing Cost Index | 79.2 | 106.5 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 93.9 | 103.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 242.6 | 912.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 34.1% | 37.1% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 61 | 44 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Houston vs. Idaho Falls: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Hey there, future mover. You've got two cities on your radar that couldn't be more different if they tried. On one side, you have Houston, Texas—a sprawling, humid, energy-metropolis where everything is bigger and the AC is always cranked. On the other, you have Idaho Falls, Idaho—a chilly, compact, mountain-adjacent city where the vibe is "slow down and enjoy the view." Choosing between them isn't just about picking a place to live; it's about picking a lifestyle.
Let's cut through the noise. I'm not here to give you a dry list of stats. I'm here to tell you which city wins in the categories that actually matter when you're signing a lease or a mortgage. We'll crunch the numbers on your wallet, compare the daily grind, and call out the dealbreakers. Buckle up.
🏙️ 1. The Vibe Check: Big City Hustle vs. Mountain Town Chill
Houston: The Relentless Energy Hub
Houston is a beast. It’s the fourth-largest city in the country, a global hub for energy, healthcare, and aerospace. The culture is a massive, delicious gumbo—diverse, ambitious, and unapologetically loud. Think world-class museums, a legendary food scene (from Vietnamese to Tex-Mex), and professional sports teams. But it’s not all glamour; it’s a car-dependent sprawl where traffic is a part of life. You’re here for the opportunities, the energy, and the sheer scale of it all.
- Who is Houston for? Ambitious professionals, foodies, families who crave diversity and big-city amenities, and anyone who doesn’t mind the heat.
Idaho Falls: The Gateway to the Great Outdoors
Idaho Falls is a different universe. Nestled in the Snake River Plain with the Teton Range as a stunning backdrop, the vibe is laid-back, community-focused, and deeply connected to nature. It’s a small city (population under 70k) with a strong sense of local pride. Life revolves around the outdoors—fishing, hiking, skiing—and a slower pace. The downtown is walkable, the mountains are a constant reminder, and the community feels tight-knit.
- Who is Idaho Falls for? Outdoor enthusiasts, families seeking a quieter, safer environment, retirees who love nature, and remote workers who want a scenic home base.
Verdict: This is purely subjective. If you live for the buzz and need endless options, Houston is your pick. If you crave peace, fresh air, and a "small town with city perks" feel, Idaho Falls wins.
💰 2. The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?
This is where the data gets spicy. Let's talk purchasing power. Both cities have nearly identical median incomes—$63,049 in Idaho Falls vs. $62,637 in Houston. But what that money gets you is the real story.
First, the cost of living breakdown. I've standardized the data for a clear comparison.
| Category | Houston, TX | Idaho Falls, ID | Winner (Cost) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-BR Rent | $1,135 | $903 | Idaho Falls |
| Utilities | Higher (AC) | Lower (Heating) | Idaho Falls |
| Groceries | Slightly Higher | Slightly Lower | Idaho Falls |
| Sales Tax | 8.25% (No state income tax) | 6.0% (No state income tax) | Idaho Falls |
| Housing Index | 106.5 (Above avg) | 79.2 (Below avg) | Idaho Falls |
The Purchasing Power War:
Let's imagine you earn the median income of $63,000. In Houston, your paycheck is 100% yours (no state income tax). In Idaho Falls, it's also 100% yours. So, on the tax front, it's a tie. But the costs are where Idaho Falls pulls ahead.
- Rent is 20% cheaper in Idaho Falls. That’s over $2,700 saved per year on housing alone.
- Utilities in Houston are a beast in summer—your electric bill can easily hit $200-$300/month with the AC running non-stop. In Idaho Falls, heating costs are high in winter, but it generally evens out to be lower overall.
- Groceries are slightly cheaper in Idaho Falls, and the Housing Index is dramatically lower (79.2 vs. 106.5), meaning your housing dollar goes much, much further.
The Bottom Line: For the same salary, your quality of life and disposable income will be significantly higher in Idaho Falls. The sticker shock is real in Houston when you factor in the hidden costs of a sprawling, car-centric lifestyle.
🏆 Dollar Power Winner: Idaho Falls. You simply get more bang for your buck.
🏠 3. The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?
Houston: The Competitive Buyer's Market
Houston's median home price is $335,000. While that seems reasonable for a major metro, the market is competitive and taxes are a consideration. Property taxes in Texas are notoriously high. In Houston (Harris County), you can expect to pay roughly 2.1% of your home's value annually. On a $335,000 home, that's about $7,035 per year in property taxes alone—added on top of your mortgage. Renting is a popular option, with a plentiful supply of apartments, but you're competing with a massive population.
Idaho Falls: The Rising Star
Idaho Falls' median home price is technically higher at $358,900. Wait, what? Yes, the number is higher, but the context is critical. Idaho Falls has seen a surge in demand (from remote workers, retirees, and those fleeing high-cost states), which has driven prices up. However, property taxes are much lower, typically around 0.5% - 0.7%. On that $358,900 home, your annual property tax is closer to $2,150, a massive savings of $4,885 per year compared to Houston. The market is a seller's market with less inventory, but the lower taxes can make the monthly payment more manageable.
The Verdict: If you're buying, the math is tricky. Houston has a lower sticker price but much higher ongoing taxes. Idaho Falls has a higher sticker price but far lower taxes. For long-term ownership, Idaho Falls often wins on total cost of ownership, but inventory is tighter.
🏆 Housing Market Winner: Idaho Falls (for lower long-term tax burden).
🚗 4. The Dealbreakers: Life's Unavoidable Truths
Traffic & Commute:
- Houston: This is the definition of car dependency. The average commute is 28 minutes in heavy, multi-lane traffic. Public transit exists but is limited. If you hate driving in congestion, this is a major dealbreaker.
- Idaho Falls: Traffic is virtually non-existent. The average commute is under 15 minutes. You can get almost anywhere in the city in 10-15 minutes. This is a massive quality-of-life advantage.
Weather:
- Houston: An average of 59°F is misleading. It’s a year-round rollercoaster: 90°F+ with suffocating humidity in summer, mild winters, and a real threat of hurricanes. The heat is relentless from May to September.
- Idaho Falls: An average of 36°F tells the story. It has four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (real winters!), springs and falls are beautiful, and summers are warm and dry (highs in the 80s). You'll need a quality winter coat and snow tires.
Crime & Safety:
This is the starkest difference in the data.
- Houston: The violent crime rate is 912.4 per 100,000 people. This is significantly above the national average. Like any massive city, safety varies greatly by neighborhood.
- Idaho Falls: The violent crime rate is 242.6 per 100,000 people. This is below the national average and a fraction of Houston's rate. Idaho Falls is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Idaho.
🏆 Dealbreakers Winner: Idaho Falls. For safety, commute, and manageable weather, Idaho Falls is the clear choice for most people.
🏁 5. The Final Verdict
After breaking down the data, the lifestyle, and the real-world costs, here’s how they stack up for different demographics.
- 🏆 Winner for Families: Idaho Falls. The lower crime rate, safer community feel, easier commute, and access to outdoor activities (hiking, skiing, fishing) make it an unbeatable environment for raising kids. The public school system is also highly rated.
- 🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Houston. If you're career-driven in energy, healthcare, or tech, Houston's job market is vast. The nightlife, food scene, and endless social events are perfect for networking and dating. Idaho Falls can feel isolating for a young, single professional.
- 🏆 Winner for Retirees: Idaho Falls. The slower pace, stunning natural beauty, lower cost of living, and high safety rating are tailor-made for retirement. Houston's heat and traffic can be challenging for older residents.
Houston: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Massive job market in diverse industries.
- World-class food and culture scene.
- No state income tax.
- Diverse population and communities.
- International airport with global connections.
Cons:
- High violent crime rate.
- Brutal summer heat and humidity.
- Extreme traffic and long commutes.
- High property taxes and car insurance costs.
- Lack of natural beauty/seasons.
Idaho Falls: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Extremely low crime rate.
- Proximity to world-class outdoor recreation (Grand Teton, Yellowstone).
- Short commutes and easy, stress-free driving.
- Lower cost of living (especially utilities and taxes).
- Clean air, four seasons, and stunning scenery.
Cons:
- Smaller city with limited entertainment and dining options.
- Harsh, snowy winters.
- Less diverse job market (growing but specialized).
- Limited international travel options.
- Rapid growth leading to some rising costs and congestion.
The Bottom Line:
Choose Houston if you are career-focused, need big-city amenities, and can handle the heat and traffic. It's a city of opportunity, but you pay for it in stress and safety concerns.
Choose Idaho Falls if you prioritize safety, community, outdoor access, and a lower-stress lifestyle. It's where you go to breathe, enjoy nature, and get more value from your hard-earned money.
The data is clear: Idaho Falls wins on cost, safety, and commute. But Houston wins on sheer opportunity and urban energy. Your heart will know which one calls to you.