B-
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
15%
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 Moscow Idaho National
Cost of living11198100
Groceries107102100
Health care106101100
Housing11590100
Transportation109103100
Utilities110101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment113105100
Household Items106101100
Education & Childcare117101100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Moscow, ID

The cost of living in Moscow affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Moscow is 111, which is 11% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Is Moscow Affordable?

Is Moscow an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Moscow, the median home price is 31.9% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 25.8% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Moscow come in at $62,006, which is 23.8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Moscow?

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as 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 farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

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 Moscow, the healthcare costs are 5.8% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Moscow 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 Moscow is 13% higher than the Idaho average
  • The cost of living in Moscow is 11% higher than the national average
  • Moscow housing is 15% higher 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 Moscow

See all the best places to live around Moscow

Compare Moscow, ID Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$125,798$10,483$2,935$3,774
      Renters$43,238$3,603$1,009$1,297
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Moscow, ID, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Moscow, the median monthly income is $125,798 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,935 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $43,238, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,009 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Princeton, ID1271099.5%
      Onaway, ID212991.5%
      Albion, WA6971032.7%
      Potlatch, ID8671033.3%
      Palouse, WA1,0021044.0%
      Moscow, ID26,62111111.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Northport, AL26,634982.1%
      Wethersfield, CT26,64711414.0%
      Kiryas Joel, NY26,64715049.7%
      Deer Park, NY26,66113534.8%
      Medina, OH26,667964.4%
      Moscow, ID26,62111111.0%
      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.