Downey, ID vs Lava Hot Springs, ID

Downey is moderately more affordable than Lava Hot Springs, with a 7.5% lower cost of living index. Downey scores 71 compared to 76 for Lava Hot Springs, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Lava Hot Springs can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Downey is $893/month compared to $843/month in Lava Hot Springs — a 6% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Lava Hot Springs has cheaper rent, Downey actually has lower median home values ($153,000 vs $241,100).

Median household income in Downey is $46,000 compared to $36,364 in Lava Hot Springs (+26.5%). Downey offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Downey spend roughly 23.3% of their income on rent, less than the 27.8% in Lava Hot Springs.