A+
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
18%
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 Jerome Idaho National
Cost of living9698100
Groceries102102100
Health care99101100
Housing8290100
Transportation104103100
Utilities100101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment104105100
Household Items100101100
Education & Childcare98101100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Jerome, ID

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Jerome 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 Jerome is 96, which is 4% 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.

The cost of living in Jerome is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses 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.

Is Jerome Affordable?

Is Jerome 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 Jerome, for instance, where the median home price falls 17.1% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 19.2% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Jerome flaunting a median household income of $70,561, 13.2% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Jerome?

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

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: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Jerome, the utilities index registers 0.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Jerome cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Jerome is 3% lower than the Idaho average
  • The cost of living in Jerome is 4% lower than the national average
  • Jerome housing is 18% 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 Jerome

See all the best places to live around Jerome

Compare Jerome, 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$80,429$6,702$1,877$2,413
      Renters$51,503$4,292$1,202$1,545
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Jerome, ID, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Jerome have a median income of $80,429. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,877 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $51,503, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,202.

      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.
      Dietrich, ID374909.8%
      Wendell, ID2,832919.5%
      Buhl, ID4,608919.1%
      Hansen, ID1,366919.0%
      Filer, ID2,935981.8%
      Jerome, ID12,101964.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      North Wantagh, NY12,10214140.7%
      Smyrna, DE12,1091054.7%
      Oskaloosa, IA12,0908415.7%
      Mackenzie County, AB12,113n/a 
      Little Chute, WI12,116964.1%
      Jerome, ID12,101964.4%
      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.