A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
7%
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 Twin Falls Idaho National
Cost of living9998100
Groceries102102100
Health care99101100
Housing9390100
Transportation104103100
Utilities100101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment104105100
Household Items100101100
Education & Childcare98101100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Twin Falls, ID

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Twin Falls 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 Twin Falls is 99, which is 1% 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.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Twin Falls are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Twin Falls can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Twin Falls?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 24 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Twin Falls. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 38% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 63% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Twin Falls Affordable?

Is Twin Falls an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Twin Falls is 5% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 12.5% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Twin Falls has a median household income of $76,040, which is 6.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Twin Falls?

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.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Twin Falls, the groceries index is 2.2% higher than the national average.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Twin Falls, the transportation index is 4.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Twin Falls shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Twin Falls is equal to the Idaho average
  • The cost of living in Twin Falls is 1% lower than the national average
  • Twin Falls housing is 7% 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 Twin Falls

See all the best places to live around Twin Falls

Compare Twin Falls, ID Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$88,265$7,355$2,059$2,648
      Renters$53,171$4,431$1,241$1,595
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Twin Falls, ID, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Twin Falls homeowners, is $88,265. This would allow for a maximum of $2,059 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $53,171 which would result in a maximum of $1,241 to be spent on rental 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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Eden, ID3828712.8%
      Hollister, ID3178911.0%
      Wendell, ID2,832919.5%
      Buhl, ID4,608919.1%
      Hansen, ID1,366919.0%
      Twin Falls, ID51,144991.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Dunwoody, GA51,07613534.9%
      Mishawaka, IN51,2308712.5%
      North Bethesda, MD51,23816262.1%
      Lakewood, OH51,262946.2%
      Plainfield, NJ51,29512221.5%
      Twin Falls, ID51,144991.2%
      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.