Best Cities for K-12 Teachers in Idaho
Ranked by affordability — cost of living, rent, and net income on a $61,000 salary
Idaho has 4 metro areas with full cost-of-living data. For k-12 teachers earning around $61,000 annually, Pocatello stands out as the most affordable option with a cost-of-living index of 71.1 and $39,157 left after taxes and rent. 2 cities in Idaho sit below the national average cost of living, giving k-12 teachers 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 = $61,000 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 $61,000 salary for k-12 teachers who educate students in K-12 schools, 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 k-12 teachers?
Pocatello is the most affordable city in Idaho for k-12 teachers, with a cost-of-living index of 71.1 (national average = 100). On a $61,000 salary, you'd have approximately $39,157 after taxes and rent for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How much do k-12 teachers earn in Idaho?
K-12 Teachers in Idaho earn around $61,000 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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