Ketchum, ID vs Payette, ID

The cost of living difference between Ketchum, ID and Payette, ID is dramatic. Payette is 66.6% cheaper than Ketchum, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Ketchum has a cost index of 130 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 Ketchum is $1,190/month compared to $846/month in Payette — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Payette is more affordable at $247,700 median vs $756,200.

Median household income in Ketchum is $87,658 compared to $55,455 in Payette (+58.1%). The higher salaries in Ketchum partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Ketchum spend roughly 16.3% of their income on rent, less than the 18.3% in Payette.