Idaho · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Pocatello, ID

The median household in Pocatello, ID earns $60,418 a year ($5,035/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,173/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $46,920 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 11.1% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$60,418$5,035 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,173HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)88.9-11.1% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate14.4¢per kWh · EIA Residential ID
Census Population57,635Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Pocatello, ID

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,173Monthly market rent
Share of gross income23.3%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$46,920To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,510At 30% of $60,418
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Pocatello, ID

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Pocatello, ID MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Pocatello, ID
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$809$9,708$32,36016.1%
1-Bedroom Apartment$894$10,728$35,76017.8%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,173$14,076$46,92023.3%
3-Bedroom Home$1,631$19,572$65,24032.4%
4-Bedroom Home$1,968$23,616$78,72039.1%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Pocatello, ID →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Pocatello, ID

Based on the local median household income of $60,418/year ($5,035/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,517/moRent ($1,173 2-BR), utilities (~$129/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,510/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 88.9 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,007/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Idaho

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Idaho state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$60,418
$20,000$125,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$60,418
Net 80%
Fed 8%
ID 3%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$48,613After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,051Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,870Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate19.5%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$5,070 / yr
Idaho state income tax$2,112 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$4,622 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Idaho with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Pocatello, ID

What is the median household income in Pocatello, ID?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Pocatello, ID is $60,418 per year (approximately $5,035 per month).

What is the average rent in Pocatello, ID?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Pocatello, ID are $809 for a studio, $894 for 1 bedroom, $1,173 for 2 bedrooms, $1,631 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,968 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Pocatello, ID compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Pocatello, ID is 88.9 (11.1% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Pocatello, ID?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,173/month) in Pocatello, ID requires a minimum gross household income of $46,920 per year ($3,910 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Pocatello, ID?

For a typical household earning the median income of $60,418/year ($5,035/month) in Pocatello, ID, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,517/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,510/month to discretionary spending, and $1,007/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Pocatello, ID?

Residential electricity rates in Idaho average 14.4¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $129 per month.