Home / Compare / Melba vs Parma

Melba, ID vs Parma, ID

88
Melba
Idaho
VS
+8.9%
81
Parma
Idaho

Parma is moderately more affordable than Melba, with a 8.9% lower cost of living index. Melba scores 88 compared to 81 for Parma, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Melba can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Melba is $993/month compared to $955/month in Parma — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Parma is more affordable at $232,400 median vs $306,000.

Median household income in Melba is $53,500 compared to $47,798 in Parma (+11.9%). While Melba is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Melba spend roughly 22.3% of their income on rent, less than the 24% in Parma.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Melba
88
Parma
81
8% cheaper
Median Household Income
Melba
$53,500
11% higher
Parma
$47,798

Housing

Median Rent
Melba
$993
Parma
$955
4% cheaper
Median Home Value
Melba
$306,000
Parma
$232,400
24% cheaper
Population
Melba
624
Parma
1,836

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Melba $2.94
Parma $2.94
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Melba $2.40
Parma $2.40
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Melba $3.86
Parma $3.86
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Melba $1.77
Parma $1.77
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Melba $3.97
Parma $3.97
US $4.14
Electricity
Melba $0.13
Parma $0.13
US $0.19