Athol, ID vs New Meadows, ID

Athol, ID and New Meadows, ID have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.2% difference in their overall index. Athol scores 84 while New Meadows scores 83 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Athol is $920/month compared to $933/month in New Meadows — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Athol is more affordable at $269,600 median vs $275,000.

Median household income in Athol is $62,946 compared to $65,250 in New Meadows (-3.5%). New Meadows offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Athol spend roughly 17.5% of their income on rent, more than the 17.2% in New Meadows.