A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
15%
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 Mountain Home Idaho National
Cost of living9896100
Goods & Services106101100
Groceries104101100
Health care10299100
Housing8588100
Transportation111105100
Utilities8486100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Mountain Home, ID

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Mountain Home is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Mountain Home is 98, which is 2% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

In Mountain Home, daily expenses such as food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Mountain Home will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Mountain Home?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 5 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Mountain Home. The feedback revealed that 40% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 60% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Mountain Home Affordable?

Wondering if Mountain Home is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Mountain Home, for example, the median home price is 16.7% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 12% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Mountain Home boasting a median household income of $44,039, which is 20.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Mountain Home?

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 Mountain Home, the utilities index registers at 15.6% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Mountain Home, the healthcare costs are 1.7% higher than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Mountain Home, the housing index is 15.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Mountain Home cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Mountain Home is 2% higher than the Idaho average
  • The cost of living in Mountain Home is 2% lower than the national average
  • Mountain Home housing is 15% lower than 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 Mountain Home

See all the best places to live around Mountain Home

Compare Mountain Home, 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$58,065$4,839$1,355$1,742
      Renters$37,332$3,111$871$1,120
      The affordability of the housing market in Mountain Home, ID as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Mountain Home homeowners, the median income is $58,065. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,355 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $37,332. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $871 for their rent related monthly 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 Mountain Home National avg. Difference
      Haircut $27.88$24.2614.9%
      Beauty Salon $41.57$45.568.8%
      Toothpaste $4.22$3.7014.1%
      Shampoo $1.21$1.285.3%
      Movie $11.60$12.134.4%
      Bowling $18.53$18.002.9%

      Groceries

      Item Mountain Home National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.96$5.842.1%
      Fried Chicken $1.46$1.577.0%
      Milk $4.91$4.675.0%
      Potatoes $4.57$4.937.4%
      Pizza $11.56$12.094.4%
      Beer $10.59$10.411.7%

      Health Care

      Item Mountain Home National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $152.62$125.6821.4%
      Doctor $150.90$135.7811.1%
      Dentist $97.00$113.2914.4%
      Ibuprofen $10.79$10.651.3%
      Lipitor $524.49$468.6011.9%

      Housing

      Item Mountain Home National avg. Difference
      Home Price $153,800.00$184,700.0016.7%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,525.04$2,346.697.6%
      Apartment Rent $835.00$949.0012.0%

      Transportation

      Item Mountain Home National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.60$3.463.9%
      Tire Balancing $75.93$59.9226.7%

      Utilities

      Item Mountain Home National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $154.20$193.9920.5%
      Phone $176.97$192.257.9%
      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.
      Mountain Home AFB, ID3,1511077.4%
      Mountain Home, ID14,308982.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Piney Green, NC14,309954.6%
      Falls Church, VA14,30918786.5%
      Lake Stickney, WA14,30614343.1%
      West Lealman, FL14,304919.4%
      Phillipsburg, NJ14,303991.4%
      Mountain Home, ID14,308982.4%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.