Cost of Living in Twin Falls County, Idaho
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Twin Falls County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Twin Falls County ranks #2,583 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 18%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Twin Falls County, Idaho
Twin Falls rents strain tighter budgets
Twin Falls County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% exceeds the national norm, indicating renters here spend a larger share of earnings on housing than the U.S. average. With median household income at $65,338—$9,400 below the national figure—residents face a squeeze between modest earnings and rising housing costs.
Above-average housing burden in Idaho
Twin Falls ranks among Idaho's least affordable counties with a rent-to-income ratio of 18.6%, nearly 2 percentage points worse than the state average of 16.8%. This gap reflects the county's lower income levels relative to statewide norms, even as rents climb.
Rents comparable, incomes lower
Twin Falls' median rent of $1,011 matches Valley County exactly, yet Twin Falls residents earn $10,787 less annually, amplifying the affordability burden. This mismatch makes Twin Falls a tighter market for renters compared to wealthier neighbors.
Renters and buyers both squeezed
Twin Falls renters dedicate nearly 19% of income to $1,011 monthly rent, while homeowners commit about 20% to $1,099 ownership costs on homes averaging $293,000. Neither pathway offers clear financial relief for a median household earning just over $65,000 annually.
Twin Falls: Affordable homes, tight budgets
Relocating to Twin Falls? The county offers genuinely affordable home prices ($293k median) and modest rents, but income growth matters—wages here lag state peers. Job seekers should prioritize positions with above-county-median salaries to ease the housing-to-income squeeze.
Cost of Living Advisory: Twin Falls County
Affordability Verdict
Twin Falls County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,011/month — about 18.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,011/month rent versus $1,099/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $88/month cheaper — a 8% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,100/year. With a median household income of $65,338, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Twin Falls County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Idaho, Twin Falls County is more affordable than Nez Perce County by roughly 8% ($1,011/mo vs $936/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Twin Falls County
Rent Burden
18.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,525
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.2%
of gross income
The median home in Twin Falls County may be a stretch
Median home value is $292,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,337 vs. your max of $1,525.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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