| Index | Caldwell | Idaho | National |
| Cost of living | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 102 | 100 |
| Health care | 99 | 101 | 100 |
| Housing | 100 | 90 | 100 |
| Transportation | 99 | 103 | 100 |
| Utilities | 99 | 101 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 98 | 105 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 101 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 97 | 101 | 100 |

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.
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? 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.
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%.
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.
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| Educare index |
| 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 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Idaho | 6% | 8.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Idaho | 5.8% | 5.8% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Homedale, ID | 2,746 | 86 | 14.2% |
| Wilder, ID | 1,788 | 90 | 9.9% |
| Notus, ID | 614 | 90 | 9.5% |
| Parma, ID | 2,031 | 91 | 8.7% |
| Marsing, ID | 1,419 | 92 | 7.7% |
| Caldwell, ID | 58,211 | 99 | 0.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Smyrna, GA | 58,048 | 118 | 17.6% |
| Palm Beach Gardens, FL | 58,393 | 136 | 35.9% |
| Diamond Bar, CA | 57,925 | 182 | 81.8% |
| Valdosta, GA | 57,835 | 92 | 8.0% |
| Midwest City, OK | 58,587 | 88 | 11.9% |
| Caldwell, ID | 58,211 | 99 | 0.7% |