Cost of Living in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Coeur d'Alene costs about the same as the national average.
What Things Cost
Compared to the US average (100)
Census ACS 2024
Census ACS 2024
BEA RPP 2023
BEA RPP 2023
Coeur d'Alene at a Glance
On the median income of $55,000, state income tax is roughly $3,132/year.
Sources: Census ACS 2024, Tax Foundation.
Coeur d'Alene is a lakefront city in northern Idaho that has become one of the Pacific Northwest's most desirable small towns. The lake is stunning, the surrounding mountains provide year-round recreation, and the downtown has genuine charm. The cost has risen significantly with demand from Seattle, Portland, and California transplants. The median home price of about $500,000 is well above the Idaho average.
Why People Move to Coeur d'Alene
Lake Coeur d'Alene is the centerpiece: 25 miles of pristine water surrounded by forested mountains. The resort's floating golf green is famous. Schweitzer Mountain ski resort is 90 minutes north. The Hiawatha Trail is one of the best bike trails in the country. Downtown has restaurants, shops, and a walkable character. The beauty is genuinely world-class for a small city.
Neighborhoods
Downtown is walkable along the lake and Sherman Avenue. The East Side has lakefront homes at premium prices. Dalton Gardens is a nearby residential community. Hayden and Post Falls offer more affordable options within the metro. Sandpoint (45 minutes north) is another beautiful lakefront alternative.
Things to Consider
Housing costs have soared beyond local wages. The job market is limited (healthcare, tourism, small business). Idaho's income tax of 5.695% applies. Winters are cold and snowy. The community is small (55,000 metro) with limited cultural diversity. The growth has created tension between newcomers and longtime residents. The nearest major city is Spokane, WA (30 minutes west).
Frequently Asked Questions About Coeur d'Alene
By Idaho standards, yes. The $500,000 median home price is well above the state average. By Pacific Northwest lakefront standards, it is moderate. The beauty commands a premium that has increased dramatically with remote work migration.
30 minutes west on I-90. Many Coeur d'Alene residents use Spokane's airport, hospitals, and shopping. Washington has no income tax while Idaho has a 5.695% rate, making Spokane financially attractive for workers who commute east to Idaho employers.
Lake Coeur d'Alene is 25 miles long, up to 200 feet deep, and surrounded by forested mountains. The water is clean and recreational: boating, swimming, fishing, paddleboarding. The Coeur d'Alene Resort's floating green on the 14th hole of the golf course is an iconic image. The lake defines the city's identity and lifestyle.