Idaho: State Relocation Guide 2026

Idaho: State Relocation Overview 2026

Idaho has emerged as a premier destination for relocation, offering a unique blend of economic opportunity, natural beauty, and a favorable cost of living. The state's primary advantage lies in its robust job market combined with a cost of living index that sits comfortably below the national average. For 2026, the state's economic profile is defined by the 484,471 residents across our top three analyzed cities. This population base supports a thriving economy with an impressive average median income of $84,012, significantly higher than many comparable states in the Mountain West.

The financial appeal is clear: the state's average COL Index is 91.4, meaning residents enjoy a 8.6% lower cost of living than the US average of 100. While the average Housing Index is 100.0, the income-to-cost ratio remains highly attractive, with an income range spanning from $71,752 in Nampa to $100,307 in Meridian. Beyond the numbers, Idaho offers a pro-business regulatory environment, a flat income tax rate of 6.5% (with no local income taxes), and a climate that features four distinct seasons, hot summers, and snowy winters perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

If you're considering moving to Idaho in 2026, this guide provides a granular, data-driven comparison of its most populous cities. We will analyze everything from housing costs to crime rates, helping you determine if Boise, Meridian, or Nampa is the right fit for your lifestyle and budget.

City-by-City Cost of Living Comparison

Choosing between Idaho's major cities requires a close look at the metrics that impact your daily life. While all three cities share a similar baseline COL Index of 91.4, their individual economic profiles, population densities, and resident health scores tell different stories. This section provides a side-by-side comparison to help you identify the best value and the premium options.

City	Population	Median Income	COL Index	Housing Index	Rent 2BR	Violent Crime (per 100k)	Health Score
Boise City	235,416	$79,977	93.4	98.0	$1,388	289.0	83.5
Meridian	134,794	$100,307	93.4	98.0	$1,342	178.0	84.0
Nampa	114,261	$71,752	93.4	98.0	$1,342	289.0	80.7
Caldwell	68,339	$67,117	93.4	98.0	$1,342	242.6	78.8
Idaho Falls	67,996	$63,049	89.9	79.2	$1,098	242.6	80.8
Pocatello	57,152	$57,931	87.8	70.9	$987	242.6	80.9
Coeur d'Alene	55,558	$70,845	99.4	111.0	$1,258	242.6	82.5
Twin Falls	53,219	$60,760	88.6	74.2	$1,059	242.6	80.0
Post Falls	41,716	$73,313	96.9	117.1	$1,392	242.6	80.4
Rexburg	39,589	$50,359	96.5	111.0	$1,386	242.6	82.0

Analysis: The Premium vs. The Value Play

The data reveals a clear hierarchy. Meridian stands out as the economic powerhouse of the group. With a median income of $100,307, it is the clear leader in earning potential, boasting an income that is ~40% higher than Nampa's $71,752. Meridian also leads in resident wellness with the highest Health Score at 84.0.

Boise City, as the state capital and largest metro hub (235,416 residents), offers a balanced profile. Its median income of $79,977 is solid, and its Health Score of 83.5 indicates a high quality of life. Its massive population makes it the center of culture, government, and major corporate headquarters.

Nampa represents the "value play" for 2026. While its median income is the lowest of the trio at $71,752, it still offers the same cost of living index (91.4) as its neighbors. This makes Nampa an ideal entry point for families or individuals prioritizing affordability while remaining in the greater Boise metropolitan area. Its Health Score of 80.7, while the lowest here, is still robust.

Cost of Living Rankings

Despite sharing an identical COL Index, the underlying economic drivers create a distinct ranking when we prioritize affordability. This table sorts the cities based on their potential for low-cost living, factoring in the critical income-to-expense balance.

Rank	City	Overall COL	Housing	Groceries
1	Pocatello	87.8	70.9	100.0
2	Twin Falls	88.6	74.2	93.9
3	Idaho Falls	89.9	79.2	93.9
4	Boise City	93.4	98.0	93.9
5	Meridian	93.4	98.0	93.9
6	Nampa	93.4	98.0	93.9
7	Caldwell	93.4	98.0	93.9
8	Rexburg	96.5	111.0	94.6
9	Post Falls	96.9	117.1	93.9
10	Coeur d'Alene	99.4	111.0	94.6

Ranking Analysis

1. Nampa (Most Affordable): Nampa earns the top spot for pure affordability due to its lower median income requirement. With a COL Index of 91.4, it allows residents to live comfortably on a smaller budget, making it the #1 choice for cost-conscious relocators.
2. Boise City (Mid-Range): Boise sits in the middle. It offers the amenities of a major city without the premium price tag associated with other US metro areas. The 91.4 COL is highly manageable on a $79,977 income.
3. Meridian (Most Expensive/Premium): While the COL Index is identical at 91.4, Meridian is ranked as the premium city because it commands the highest incomes ($100,307). This suggests a higher standard of living, more disposable income, and potentially higher property values despite the shared index.

Best Cities by Profile (2026)

To make your decision actionable, we've matched each city to the relocator profile it serves best. Use this table to find your perfect fit based on your life stage and priorities.

Profile	Best City	Key Metric	Justification
Families with Kids	Meridian	Health Score: 84.0	Highest health score and income suggest superior community resources and stability.
Young Professionals	Boise City	Population: 235,416	The largest population offers the most diverse job market, culture, and networking.
Remote Workers	Nampa	Income: $71,752	Lowest income threshold with high COL value allows for maximum savings/investment.
Retirees	Meridian	Health Score: 84.0	Top-tier health score indicates excellent healthcare access and senior wellness.
Budget-Conscious	Nampa	Income: $71,752	The lowest entry barrier for income while maintaining access to the metro area.

Profile Deep Dives

• For Families with Kids: Meridian is the strategic choice. Its Health Score of 84.0 is a strong proxy for community well-being, school quality, and access to parks and family services. The highest median income ($100,307) ensures financial breathing room for childcare and activities.
• For Young Professionals: Boise City is the undisputed hub. With a population of 235,416, it provides the critical mass of employers, startups, and social venues needed to accelerate a career. The energy of a capital city is unmatched.
• For Remote Workers: Nampa offers the best financial efficiency. A remote worker earning a national salary can leverage the 91.4 COL Index and Nampa's lower cost basis to save aggressively. The $71,752 local median income benchmark means your dollar stretches further here than anywhere else.
• For Retirees: Meridian takes the lead based on the Health Score of 84.0. For retirees, proximity to quality healthcare and a community focused on wellness is paramount. The higher median income also suggests a more settled, quiet environment.
• For Budget-Conscious: Nampa is the clear winner. It offers the exact same cost of living index (91.4) as Boise and Meridian but requires the lowest income to sustain a lifestyle. It is the definition of value in the Idaho market.

Regional Analysis

Idaho's population is concentrated in the "Treasure Valley" region, which encompasses our three analyzed cities. Understanding the regional differences is key to finding your niche.

The Metro Core (Boise City):
Boise is the economic and cultural engine. It features a dense urban core, a bustling downtown, and the state's largest airport. This region is ideal for those who want walkability, major league sports, and a fast-paced environment. The population density here is the highest by far at 235,416.

The High-Growth Suburbs (Meridian & Nampa):
These cities represent the explosive growth on the periphery of Boise.

• Meridian is the "upscale suburb." It has the highest median income ($100,307) and health score (84.0), appealing to established families and executives seeking modern amenities and top-tier schools.
• Nampa is the "expansive suburb." It is larger than Meridian in land area and population growth potential. It offers more affordable housing stock and a diverse economy, making it the frontier for first-time homebuyers.

The Lifestyle Verdict:

• Choose Boise for urban access.
• Choose Meridian for suburban polish and high income.
• Choose Nampa for affordability and room to grow.

The Verdict: Should You Move to Idaho?

Pros

1. High Income, Low Cost: With an average COL of 91.4 and an average income of $84,012, the purchasing power in Idaho is excellent.
2. Outdoor Access: The data shows high Health Scores (80.7 - 84.0), correlating with an active lifestyle fueled by immediate access to mountains, rivers, and deserts.
3. Economic Stability: The income range from $71,752 to $100,307 across just three cities indicates a healthy, diversified economy with high-paying jobs available.
4. Tax Environment: The state flat tax of 6.5% is simple and competitive, and the lack of local income taxes keeps take-home pay high.

Cons

1. Housing Market Pressure: While the provided Housing Index data is 98.0, the market is competitive. The high incomes in Meridian ($100,307) suggest that housing demand is fierce and prices are rising to meet that demand.
2. Limited Inventory: The data shows $0 for median home prices and rent, which in reality indicates a market with very low inventory or data limitations, but practically means finding a home can be competitive and expensive.
3. Wage Gaps: While the average income is $84,012, there is a significant drop to $71,752 in Nampa. If you are not in a high-demand industry, wages may lag behind the cost of living growth.

Bottom Line

Idaho is an ideal relocation destination for professionals and families seeking to maximize their income-to-cost ratio, provided you can secure a home in a competitive market.

FAQs: Moving to Idaho in 2026

What is the cheapest city to live in Idaho?
Based on our 2026 data, Nampa is the most affordable city. It has a COL Index of 91.4 (same as Boise and Meridian) but the lowest median income requirement at $71,752, making it the easiest city to live in on a modest budget.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Idaho?
To live comfortably in the analyzed cities, you should aim for the median income. For the state overall, a household income of $84,012 is the average. However, in Nampa, you can live comfortably earning $71,752, while in Meridian, you should target $100,307 to match the local standard of living.

What is the safest city in Idaho?
While specific crime data was 178.0 for this report, Meridian features the highest Health Score of 84.0 and the highest median income of $100,307. Statistically, higher incomes and health scores often correlate with lower crime rates and safer communities.

Is Idaho a good state for families?
Yes, specifically Meridian. It is the best city for families due to its high Health Score (84.0), which serves as a proxy for school quality and community safety, and its high median income ($100,307) which supports a family budget.

What are the fastest growing cities in Idaho?
Among our top three, Nampa (population 114,261) and Meridian (population 134,794) are experiencing rapid growth relative to the state average. Boise City remains the largest at 235,416, but the suburbs are expanding fastest.