Cost of Living in Salmon, ID

With a cost of living index of 66, Salmon, ID is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 34% cheaper than the national average and 21% below the Idaho state average of 87. Salmon is a small community of 3,196 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Salmon's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $584 (56% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $198,400 (35% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.9x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Salmon is $40,875, which is 46% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.