Hayden, ID vs Payette, ID

The cost of living difference between Hayden, ID and Payette, ID is dramatic. Payette is 55.2% cheaper than Hayden, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hayden has a cost index of 122 while Payette sits at 78, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Hayden is $1,676/month compared to $846/month in Payette — a 98% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Payette is more affordable at $247,700 median vs $445,700.

Median household income in Hayden is $77,534 compared to $55,455 in Payette (+39.8%). The higher salaries in Hayden partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Hayden spend roughly 25.9% of their income on rent, more than the 18.3% in Payette.