Look: Discover Idaho’s Most and Least Affordable Rental Spots

Idaho Rent Affordability: A Quick Guide to the State's Rental Market

The rental market for so many is a struggle, especially in the Treasure Valley, with new apartment complexes popping up regularly as the state experiences rapid population growth and rising housing demand.

 Idaho's Rental Market Trends

To determine whether rent in Idaho is affordable for you, a good guideline is the "30% rule." This means you should spend no more than 30% of your income on rent. For example, if your monthly income is $4,000, you should try to budget $1,200 or less for housing. It might work in theory, but local market conditions will impact what is actually affordable.

Tips for Finding Affordable Rent in Idaho

1. Explore Suburban & Rural Areas: This might be easier for people who aren't tied to the city vibes.
2. Leverage Local Networks: Ask friends, colleagues, or Idaho community groups for leads on rentals.
3. Adjust Your Rental Timing: The rental market slows during winter months in Idaho, so landlords may be willing to negotiate on price or terms.

Defining Affordable Housing in Idaho

Affordable housing usually costs less than 30% of a household's income. The definition can vary by location. Where is Idaho's most affordable place for rentals? Blackfoot 83221 has a rent averaging 19.95% of local incomes, that's 10.05% less than what is deemed "affordable housing." Looking at the flip side of that coin, Kootenai 83864 is the least affordable, and renters are spending 40.43% of their income on housing.

Even though rental prices are rising in Idaho, according to Cashnetusa.com, Idaho remains more affordable than many other states.