Cost of Living in Preston, ID
Population 5,800 · Idaho · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Preston is a smaller Idaho community of around 6000 residents, where median household incomes of $55,625 and housing costs ($281,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Preston lies roughly 90 miles north of the nearest major metro, Salt Lake City — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 43% 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 Preston
The median home value in Preston is $280,500 — 8% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $794/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,625/year is 25% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.1%, 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 61.0°F and lows of 32.6°F. Overall, Preston has a cost of living index of 79 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% less expensive.
Preston has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 33 | 38 | 51 | 60 | 70 | 80 | 91 | 88 | 78 | 63 | 47 | 34 |
| Low °F | 15 | 18 | 27 | 32 | 39 | 46 | 51 | 50 | 41 | 32 | 23 | 16 |
| Precip" | 1.53 | 1.25 | 0.99 | 1.24 | 1.84 | 0.73 | 0.60 | 0.70 | 1.23 | 1.15 | 0.73 | 1.11 |
💨 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 Preston, ID?
Preston has a cost index of 79 (100 = national average). It is 21% below the national average.
What is average rent in Preston, ID?
The median gross rent in Preston is $794 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Preston?
The median home value in Preston is $280,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Preston?
The median household income in Preston is $55,625 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Preston, ID?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Preston is 6.0%. The Idaho state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Preston, ID affordable?
Yes, Preston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 79 — about 21% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Preston?
Preston has average high temperatures of 61.0°F and average lows of 32.6°F. Annual precipitation is 13.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Preston at a Glance
- Population
- 5,800
- Median Income
- $55,625
- Home Value
- $280,500
- Median Rent
- $794/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Idaho Rankings
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