B+
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
0%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Lewiston Idaho National
Cost of living10396100
Goods & Services100101100
Groceries111101100
Health care11299100
Housing10088100
Transportation118105100
Utilities9786100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Lewiston, ID

Understanding the cost of living in Lewiston can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Lewiston cost of living index is 103, which is 3% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in Lewiston is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

The cost of groceries continues to rise at an alarming rate. Over the last two years, grocery prices have increased by more than 10%! Unfortunately, in Lewiston, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 10.8% higher than the national average.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Lewiston?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 9 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Lewiston. The feedback revealed that 33% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 67% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Lewiston Affordable?

Is Lewiston an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Lewiston is 10.8% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 23.7% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Lewiston has a median household income of $54,912, which is 0.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lewiston?

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Lewiston, the general sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates begin at 1.125%.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Lewiston, the utilities index registers at 3.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Lewiston cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. The index takes into account data from 300 independent researches, covering more than 60 goods and services across 6 different categories, to create an overall index for each area, with 100 being the average. The C2ER index does not include sales or income tax rates in their data, however AreaVibes does include both income and sales tax rates in the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Lewiston is 8% higher than the Idaho average
  • The cost of living in Lewiston is 3% higher than the national average
  • Lewiston housing is equal to the national average
  • Idaho general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Idaho state income tax is 123% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Lewiston

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Compare Lewiston, ID Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$73,020$6,085$1,704$2,191
      Renters$24,176$2,015$564$725
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Lewiston, ID, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Lewiston homeowners, is $73,020. This would allow for a maximum of $1,704 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $24,176 which would result in a maximum of $564 to be spent on rental costs.

      Idaho Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Idaho 6% 8.5%

      Idaho Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Idaho 5.8% 5.8%

      Goods & Services

      Item Lewiston National avg. Difference
      Haircut $27.83$24.2614.7%
      Beauty Salon $51.82$45.5613.7%
      Toothpaste $3.72$3.700.4%
      Shampoo $1.29$1.280.6%
      Movie $14.89$12.1322.7%
      Bowling $23.19$18.0028.8%

      Groceries

      Item Lewiston National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.17$5.845.7%
      Fried Chicken $2.22$1.5741.0%
      Milk $4.92$4.675.3%
      Potatoes $4.89$4.930.9%
      Pizza $11.23$12.097.1%
      Beer $11.57$10.4111.1%

      Health Care

      Item Lewiston National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $165.73$125.6831.9%
      Doctor $168.55$135.7824.1%
      Dentist $118.01$113.294.2%
      Ibuprofen $11.49$10.657.9%
      Lipitor $477.18$468.601.8%

      Housing

      Item Lewiston National avg. Difference
      Home Price $204,600.00$184,700.0010.8%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,282.29$2,346.692.7%
      Apartment Rent $724.00$949.0023.7%

      Transportation

      Item Lewiston National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.30$3.4624.2%
      Tire Balancing $60.58$59.921.1%

      Utilities

      Item Lewiston National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $178.20$193.998.1%
      Phone $201.25$192.254.7%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lapwai, ID1,291928.1%
      Clarkston, WA7,435972.7%
      Sweetwater, ID2641000.3%
      Juliaetta, ID5111021.5%
      West Clarkston-Highland, WA5,7911021.8%
      Lewiston, ID32,8531033.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Salisbury, MD32,8501010.5%
      Pueblo West, CO32,8421066.3%
      Val-d'Or, QC32,869n/a 
      Pikesville, MD32,87112423.7%
      Parkland, FL32,87816969.3%
      Lewiston, ID32,8531033.4%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.