Cost of Living in Pocatello, ID
Population 57,152 · Idaho · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Pocatello cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $241,000, rents near $861 a month.
Geographically, Pocatello lies roughly 145 miles north of the nearest major metro, Salt Lake City. Median home values run roughly 51% lower than Salt Lake City's $496,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Pocatello
The median home value in Pocatello is $240,600 — 21% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $861/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,931/year is 22% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Idaho's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, Pocatello has a cost of living index of 74 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% 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
💨 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 Pocatello, ID?
Pocatello has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.
What is average rent in Pocatello, ID?
The median gross rent in Pocatello is $861 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Pocatello?
The median home value in Pocatello is $240,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Pocatello?
The median household income in Pocatello is $57,931 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Pocatello, ID?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pocatello is 6.0%. The Idaho state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Pocatello, ID affordable?
Yes, Pocatello is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 74 — about 26% below the US national average of 100.
Pocatello at a Glance
- Population
- 57,152
- Median Income
- $57,931
- Home Value
- $240,600
- Median Rent
- $861/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Idaho Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs