7 Wallet-Friendly Small Towns To Retire In Idaho
Idaho is an excellent place to retire due to its stunning natural landscapes, diverse outdoor recreational opportunities, and relatively low cost of living. Housing prices, property taxes, and everyday expenses are generally lower in Idaho, with a state median listing price of $550,000 as of November 2025 (Zillow). This is particularly true in Idaho's smaller towns.
Many towns host year-round community events that make it easy for newcomers to feel connected, while nearby trails, rivers, and parks provide everyday opportunities for outdoor recreation. From potato-country traditions in Blackfoot to riverside living in Lewiston and Salmon, Idaho’s smaller communities combine affordability with access to healthcare, nature, and social life. This article explores the seven most wallet-friendly small towns to retire to in Idaho.
Blackfoot
Blackfoot has everything you need to retire comfortably, including accessible healthcare and a more affordable housing market. Over the past year, the median list price in Blackfoot has been $400,000. That is over $100,000 lower than the state median. Bingham Memorial Hospital and Grove Creek Medical Center are conveniently located in town, making medical help easily accessible. Retirees looking for more support can check out The Bingham County Senior Center. They host events, have social gatherings, and health and wellness programs.
Blackfoot is known as the “Potato Capital of the World." Once you are a part of the community, discover what this means at the Idaho Potato Museum. This is also a great place to take visiting friends and family. They have exhibits such as the world's largest potato chip and a gift shop with potato-themed items. Around town, there are many places to go for some relaxation and to enjoy nature. Jenson Grove Park features walking trails and offers scenic views of Jensen Grove Pond.
Burley
Burley is a peaceful town to retire in, surrounded by natural beauty, including the Snake River and nearby trails. Spend your afternoons in retirement boating and fishing on the Snake River. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through one of the town's many green spaces, such as River Front Park. This also makes a great spot to get together with friends or enjoy a picnic. The town also offers a welcoming atmosphere with a strong sense of community. The area offers several clubs and events, making it easy to connect with others. Creatives might enjoy visiting the King Fine Arts Center. Throughout the year, they have various events that showcase the talent of local artists.
The Burley Senior Center offers retirees opportunities to connect with others through various programs, social gatherings, and recreational activities, including fitness classes. There are several medical centers in town, making medical treatment easily accessible. A few include Cassia Regional Hospital, which offers 24/7 emergency services, as well as Sterling Urgent Care. Housing costs here are lower, with a median list price of around $370,000 for a house.
Jerome
Jerome is another more affordable town for retirees, with a median listing home price of $385,000, which makes it more affordable to buy a single-family home relative to other places in Idaho. The senior center provides a space for seniors to connect, offering nutrition programs, health and educational activities, fitness programs, and social events. The nutritional program even provides home-delivered meals to those who do not want to spend their retirement cooking. There is also a healthcare center conveniently in town, St. Luke's Jerome Medical Center. Retirees can access medical care when needed.
Throughout and around the town, there are scenic views and green spaces that provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. For an afternoon walk, hit the trails at Snake River Canyon, one of the top ten deepest canyons in the United States. Some of the trails, such as the Yingst Grade trail, lead to beautiful waterfalls. Similarly, Dierkes Lake offers a peaceful spot to relax. Head there for a picnic or a day of fishing and swimming.
Orofino
Located on the Clearwater River, one of the largest tributaries of the Snake River, Orofino offers scenic views and affordable housing options, making it an ideal destination for individuals with a fixed income. The median list price is approximately $400,000, which is significantly lower than the state's median. If you are worried about meeting new people after moving to a new town, get support from the local non-profit Clearwater County Senior Citizens Inc. They are dedicated to supporting seniors through their meal programs, which deliver food directly to their homes.
Outdoor recreation is a major draw. Orofino City Park offers a peaceful setting for walks and picnics, while nearby trails, such as the West Ridge Trail, Dent Trail, and Big Eddy Trail, provide gentle options for daily exercise and time outdoors. When visitors are in town, the Clearwater Historical Museum is a popular stop, highlighting Orofino’s gold rush history through well-preserved artifacts and exhibits that reflect the area’s early settlement.
Grangeville
Grangeville is a small town with a strong sense of community. Compared to bigger cities in Idaho, Grangeville is a much more affordable place to live out your retirement. The median house list price is approximately $270,000, which is lower than the state median. Retirees can rest easily knowing they can get their care needs met at the town's Syringa Hospital & Clinics. They offer specialized care in various departments.
The town has some beautiful parks and forested areas nearby, perfect for retirees looking to relax and enjoy nature. The Nez Perce National Forest is a stunning wilderness area, perfect for anyone who wants to hike or simply enjoy time outdoors. When family or friends are visiting, take them to see the unique Columbian Mammoth Exhibit. The historic site showcases mammoth fossils and is great for history enthusiasts. The Bicentennial Historical Museum is another historic attraction in the area.
Lewiston
Set within a scenic river valley, Lewiston is a practical and appealing option for retirees seeking affordability alongside access to healthcare and outdoor amenities. Home prices are generally lower than in many other Idaho communities, with a median listing price of $420,000. Medical care is readily available through providers such as St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Catalyst Medical Group, and CHAS Health, offering retirees peace of mind when prioritizing access to services.
Lewiston’s location at the confluence of the Snake River and Clearwater River provides easy opportunities for daily walks, riverside relaxation, and scenic views. For those interested in arts and culture, the Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts and History features rotating exhibits and historical displays that reflect the region’s heritage.
Salmon
Salmon offers retirees an affordable lifestyle surrounded by some of Idaho’s most dramatic wilderness landscapes. Nestled along the Salmon River, often called the “River of No Return,” the town provides consistent access to outdoor recreation while maintaining a slower pace of life. The median home listing price in Salmon has been around $450,000, which remains lower than Idaho’s statewide median, making it a viable option for those on a fixed income.
Outdoor opportunities are a central part of daily life in Salmon. Residents enjoy fishing, riverside walks, and access to the nearby Salmon-Challis National Forest for hiking and camping. Spanning over four million acres, retirees will never lack outdoor opportunities when living here. For visiting friends and family, whitewater rafting on the Salmon River is a popular activity, while Goldbug Hot Springs offers a relaxing escape in a natural setting. Community connections are supported through the Salmon Valley Senior Center, which hosts regular lunches, bingo nights, and card games that help retirees stay socially engaged.
Planning For Retirement In Idaho
Overall, if you are looking to retire to a more affordable place in Idaho, consider these seven towns. Living on a fixed income is not easy, but in these towns, your dollar stretches a little further. Beyond their affordability, these towns also have a lot of opportunities to enjoy Idaho's natural beauty and to stay engaged in community life. Whether you are planning to retire in the next couple of years or looking to plan your future retirement, it is a good idea to consider one of these towns. The combination of affordability and small-town charm makes them a great choice for anyone to consider.
