Idaho Falls, ID vs Moscow, ID

Idaho Falls, ID and Moscow, ID have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.5% difference in their overall index. Idaho Falls scores 86 while Moscow scores 89 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 Idaho Falls is $992/month compared to $902/month in Moscow — a 10% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Moscow has cheaper rent, Idaho Falls actually has lower median home values ($298,600 vs $352,000).

Median household income in Idaho Falls is $69,630 compared to $56,497 in Moscow (+23.2%). Idaho Falls offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Idaho Falls spend roughly 17.1% of their income on rent, less than the 19.2% in Moscow.