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Moscow vs Rexburg:
Housing Costs in Idaho

Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Moscow and Rexburg, Idaho. Using Idaho's 0.63% property tax rate and $1,600/year insurance. Updated for 2026.

MetricMoscowRexburg
Median Home Price$365K$325K
Population25,43535,806
Average Rent$1,220/mo$1,150/mo
Est. Monthly Mortgage (P&I)$2,076/mo$1,849/mo
Est. Monthly Property Tax$192/mo$171/mo
Est. Monthly Insurance$133/mo$133/mo
Est. Total PITI$2,538/mo$2,275/mo
Price-to-Rent Ratio24.923.6
Verdict

Rexburg edges out Moscow in affordability, saving you roughly $263/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in Idaho, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.

Monthly Payment Comparison

Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Idaho's 0.63% property tax rate.

Moscow
Home Price$365,000
Down Payment (10%)$36,500
Loan Amount$328,500
Monthly P&I$2,076
Monthly Property Tax$192
Monthly Insurance$133
Monthly PMI$137
Total PITI$2,538/mo
Annual property tax: $2,300
Rexburg
Home Price$325,000
Down Payment (10%)$32,500
Loan Amount$292,500
Monthly P&I$1,849
Monthly Property Tax$171
Monthly Insurance$133
Monthly PMI$122
Total PITI$2,275/mo
Annual property tax: $2,048

Buying in Rexburg saves you approximately $263/month ($3,156/year) compared to Moscow, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.

Which City Is Better For...

First-Time Buyers

Rexburg is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $325K versus $365K in Moscow. That's $40K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $11K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Rexburg, compared to $13K in Moscow. Idaho offers the Idaho Housing DPA program (Up to 7% second mortgage) which applies in both cities.

Real Estate Investment

Rexburg has the better price-to-rent ratio at 23.6x versus 24.9x in Moscow. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Rexburg is $1,150/month on a $325K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.

Families

Rexburg (pop. 35,806) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Moscow (pop. 25,435) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Rexburg offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.

Income Needed to Afford the Median Home

Moscow
$109K
annual household income
Based on $2,538/mo PITI at 28% DTI
Rexburg
$98K
annual household income
Based on $2,275/mo PITI at 28% DTI

Other Cities in Idaho

Boise$445K
Pop. 235,684 · Rent $1,450/mo
Meridian$475K
Pop. 117,635 · Rent $1,520/mo
Nampa$375K
Pop. 100,200 · Rent $1,280/mo
Idaho Falls$335K
Pop. 64,048 · Rent $1,150/mo
Coeur d'Alene$525K
Pop. 54,628 · Rent $1,580/mo
Caldwell$345K
Pop. 61,657 · Rent $1,220/mo
Twin Falls$315K
Pop. 51,807 · Rent $1,120/mo
Pocatello$285K
Pop. 56,320 · Rent $1,050/mo

Explore Idaho

Idaho Mortgage Guide$420K median →
0.63% tax · $6K closing · $1,600/yr insurance
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