Cost of Living in Star, ID
Population 13,231 · Idaho · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Star is a smaller Idaho community of around 13000 residents, where median household incomes of $91,318 and housing costs ($499,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 8 miles northwest of Meridian, Star falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Meridian's $485,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Star
The median home value in Star is $498,900 — 64% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,622/month, 23% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $91,318/year is 22% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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, Star has a cost of living index of 148 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% more 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Star, ID?
Star has a cost index of 148 (100 = national average). It is 48% above the national average.
What is average rent in Star, ID?
The median gross rent in Star is $1,622 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Star?
The median home value in Star is $498,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Star?
The median household income in Star is $91,318 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Star, ID?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Star is 6.0%. The Idaho state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Star, ID affordable?
Star is above average in cost of living, with an index of 148 — about 48% higher than the national average.
Star at a Glance
- Population
- 13,231
- Median Income
- $91,318
- Home Value
- $498,900
- Median Rent
- $1,622/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Idaho Rankings
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