A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
0%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Caldwell Idaho National
Cost of living9998100
Groceries100102100
Health care99101100
Housing10090100
Transportation99103100
Utilities99101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment98105100
Household Items100101100
Education & Childcare97101100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Caldwell, ID

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Caldwell? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Caldwell stands at 99, making it 1% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Caldwell closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Caldwell can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

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

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 47 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Caldwell. The feedback revealed that 36% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 64% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Caldwell Affordable?

Is Caldwell affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Caldwell, for instance, where the median home price falls 2.1% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 5.1% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Caldwell flaunting a median household income of $80,919, 0.5% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Caldwell?

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Caldwell, the housing index comes in at 0% equal to the national average.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Caldwell, the groceries index registers 0% equal to the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Caldwell, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6%, and income tax rates start at 5.8%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Caldwell are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Caldwell is 1% higher than the Idaho average
  • The cost of living in Caldwell is 1% lower than the national average
  • Caldwell 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 Caldwell

See all the best places to live around Caldwell

Compare Caldwell, ID Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$92,996$7,750$2,170$2,790
      Renters$55,854$4,655$1,303$1,676
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Caldwell is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Caldwell has a median income of about $92,996 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,170 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $55,854. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,303 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Homedale, ID2,7468614.2%
      Wilder, ID1,788909.9%
      Notus, ID614909.5%
      Parma, ID2,031918.7%
      Marsing, ID1,419927.7%
      Caldwell, ID58,211990.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Smyrna, GA58,04811817.6%
      Palm Beach Gardens, FL58,39313635.9%
      Diamond Bar, CA57,92518281.8%
      Valdosta, GA57,835928.0%
      Midwest City, OK58,5878811.9%
      Caldwell, ID58,211990.7%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.