Lava Hot Springs, ID vs Smelterville, ID

Smelterville is moderately more affordable than Lava Hot Springs, with a 13.9% lower cost of living index. Lava Hot Springs scores 76 compared to 67 for Smelterville, 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 Lava Hot Springs is $843/month compared to $825/month in Smelterville — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Smelterville is more affordable at $117,600 median vs $241,100.

Median household income in Lava Hot Springs is $36,364 compared to $46,597 in Smelterville (-22%). Smelterville offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Lava Hot Springs spend roughly 27.8% of their income on rent, more than the 21.2% in Smelterville.