Cost of Living in Lewiston, ID
Population 34,471 · Idaho · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Lewiston's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $71,047 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 3.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Lewiston lies roughly 90 miles south of the nearest major metro, Spokane Valley — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 16% lower than Spokane Valley's $344,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lewiston
The median home value in Lewiston is $290,900 — 5% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $938/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,047/year is 5% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Idaho's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 64.2°F and lows of 43.3°F, with about 12.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lewiston has a cost of living index of 86 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 42 | 47 | 55 | 62 | 72 | 79 | 91 | 90 | 80 | 63 | 49 | 41 |
| Low °F | 30 | 32 | 36 | 41 | 48 | 54 | 61 | 60 | 52 | 42 | 35 | 30 |
| Precip" | 1.13 | 1.04 | 1.30 | 1.44 | 1.69 | 1.25 | 0.47 | 0.51 | 0.60 | 1.08 | 1.23 | 1.13 |
| Snow" | 2.7 | 3.8 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.3 | 4.1 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lewiston, ID?
Lewiston has a cost index of 86 (100 = national average). It is 14% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lewiston, ID?
The median gross rent in Lewiston is $938 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lewiston?
The median home value in Lewiston is $290,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lewiston?
The median household income in Lewiston is $71,047 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lewiston, ID?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lewiston is 6.0%. The Idaho state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Lewiston, ID affordable?
Yes, Lewiston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 86 — about 14% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Lewiston?
Lewiston has average high temperatures of 64.2°F and average lows of 43.3°F. Annual precipitation is 12.9". Average annual snowfall is 12.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lewiston at a Glance
- Population
- 34,471
- Median Income
- $71,047
- Home Value
- $290,900
- Median Rent
- $938/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Idaho Rankings
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