Best Cities for Data Scientists in Idaho
Ranked by affordability — cost of living, rent, and net income on a $100,000 salary
Idaho has 4 metro areas with full cost-of-living data. For data scientists earning around $100,000 annually, Pocatello stands out as the most affordable option with a cost-of-living index of 71.1 and $67,390 left after taxes and rent. 2 cities in Idaho sit below the national average cost of living, giving data scientists more purchasing power per dollar earned. Coeur d'Alene is the priciest metro at 117.2 on the index, 46 points above Pocatello.
City Rankings by Affordability
Full Comparison Table
| # | City | COL Index | 2BR Rent/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pocatello | 71.1 | $1,173 |
| 2 | Idaho Falls | 79.4 | $1,305 |
| 3 | Boise City | 98.2 | $1,655 |
| 4 | Coeur d'Alene | 117.2 | $1,547 |
Net income = $100,000 salary − federal & Idaho state taxes − annual 2BR rent. COL index: national avg = 100.
How We Rank Cities
Cities are ranked by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, where 100 equals the national average. A lower score means your money goes further. Net income is calculated using a benchmark $100,000 salary for data scientists who analyze data and build predictive models, after applying 2026 federal and Idaho state income tax brackets and subtracting HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment. Purchasing power adjusts net income for local price levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable city in Idaho for data scientists?
Pocatello is the most affordable city in Idaho for data scientists, with a cost-of-living index of 71.1 (national average = 100). On a $100,000 salary, you'd have approximately $67,390 after taxes and rent for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How much do data scientists earn in Idaho?
Data Scientists in Idaho earn around $100,000 per year on average. After federal and state taxes, and typical 2-bedroom rent costs (averaging $17,040 per year across the state), take-home spending money varies significantly by city—making location a critical factor.
How does cost of living vary across Idaho cities?
Across 4 metro areas in Idaho, the average cost-of-living index is 91 (national average = 100). The most affordable metro is Pocatello at 71.1, while Coeur d'Alene is the most expensive at 117.2—a difference of 46 index points.
Other Rankings in Idaho
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