According to RentCafe, the cost of living in Idaho in 2025 is 11% higher than the national average. How can Idaho residents keep up with rising living costs as prices continue to go up? Inflation has increased expenses for housing, groceries, and gas to such a degree that the higher prices can surpass wages.
In this guide from Idaho Title Loans, Inc., we will outline some strategies that Idaho residents can use to manage rising costs, including side jobs, budget cuts, and emergency financing options. We will also review how a cash advance in Idaho can assist when your monthly expenses exceed your wages.
Top 5 Ways To Afford Idaho Cost Of Living In 2025
As prices rise across the United States due to inflation, residents need to make financial adjustments to cope with the increased cost of living. Wages for low-income jobs are often not enough to cover monthly expenses. Below, we will outline some strategies to help you manage the rising costs in Idaho and live more comfortably.
Here are five ways to help afford the Idaho cost of living in 2025:
1. Reduce Expenses
The first thing you should do when your expenses exceed your wages is to cut costs so you can cover your rising monthly bills. We all have expenses on luxuries that can impact our ability to afford essentials. Instead of hoping your expenses will magically decrease, you should reduce your spending and make your lifestyle more frugal.
The following are some ways to reduce expenses to afford a higher cost of living:
- Save on gas: Every time you fill up the tank, try to save yourself some money by utilizing reward programs. These days, most gas stations have points programs. They're especially useful if you regularly fill up your car. Also, you can save gas money by only driving when necessary. Cut down on your night outs and only use your car when necessary for work or grocery trips.
- Thrift clothes: Your clothes and decor shopping endeavors don't have to be super expensive — utilize the magic of the thrift store to find some high-quality pieces at much cheaper prices. You can even donate things you no longer need or use at the same time!
- Seek free entertainment options: Rather than going out to eat or spending hundreds on concerts, you can seek free entertainment options. Explore free entertainment options around Idaho, like local events at Boise Public Library or community festivals in Meridian. They are fun without you needing to spend tons of money. Enjoy these cheap entertainment options with friends and family.
- Cut unnecessary subscriptions: Subscriptions for streaming services and delivery apps can add up. Instead of keeping multiple subscriptions like Netflix, Spotify, and Uber Eats, stick to one or two you use regularly. If you’re paying for a subscription you barely use, cancel it to save extra cash every month.
Before you cut costs, it’s best to create a budget to look at how much of your expenses you need to cut.
2. Create A New Budget
If inflation and rising living costs have made your life more expensive, you should adjust your budget. Every time one of your expenses goes up, review your budget to find where you can make changes to cover the increased costs.
Writing everything down on paper, an Excel worksheet, or a budgeting app helps you find ways to cut costs. Budgeting apps like YNAB, NerdWallet, and EveryDollar can even suggest ways to save money and make your budget work better. Remember, when your living costs go up, your expenses should go down.
3. Negotiate A New Salary
Depending on your job role and how long you've been with your company, it may be time to ask for a raise. Whether you'll be granted one is a different story, but since the cost of living is rising, it's a fantastic time to request it.
While it's natural to feel nervous about asking for a raise, remember that managers deal with their teams' salaries constantly, so the subject is just a part of their job! Even if they don't grant the raise, you won't damage your relationship by making the request, provided you are respectful, have a history of delivering results, and you don't ask for something far beyond the market.
If you cannot get a raise, you could consider working overtime, if your company permits it. Working extra hours can put a significant amount of extra cash in your pocket every week (or month), helping you cope with Idaho's rising cost of living.
4. Start A Side Hustle
Side hustle culture has skyrocketed in recent years due to the increased number of online platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. A small side gig can increase your income when times are tough. You can get a remote side gig that you can do on weekends or after work to make some extra cash using your specific skills and experience.
These are some of the side hustles you can pursue to make extra cash in Idaho:
- Pet sitting
- Online tutoring
- Blogging
- Copywriting
- Social media management
- Taking online surveys
- Selling stock photographs
- Reselling thrift store finds
- Selling handmade products
It’s essential to find a side hustle you have experience in, as it can help you make more money. For example, those who have worked for five years in the social media management career can make more money than those just starting out.
5. Seek A Cash Advance In Idaho
If the Idaho cost of living in 2025 has pushed you into a one-off financial crisis, then seeking a quick loan may be suitable. While there are plenty of different types, we offer payday loans (a form of cash advance in Idaho) at Idaho Title Loans, Inc. These short-term loans are designed with small dollar amounts in mind, allowing you to borrow between $100 and $500 from your next paycheck.
Unlike traditional loan setups, you won't need to contend with long lists of requirements. Instead, you can gain approval with nothing more than the following required items:
- Your state-issued identification (e.g., driver's license, passport, military service ID card, student ID)
- A blank check from an active checking account in your name
- Your most recent pay stub
If you want an Idaho cash advance, you can apply online with us today. After providing your information, you can bring your required items to the nearest Idaho store location. Get approved in person in less than 30 minutes and receive your emergency funds within one business day. Apply online for payday loans for fast financial relief today!
Get A Cash Advance In Idaho – Borrow Up To $500 Today!
When financial emergencies like medical bills, overdue rent, or home repairs seem insurmountable, Idaho Title Loans, Inc. can help with our payday loans. Borrow from a future paycheck in less than a day, quickly resolve your financial emergency, and repay the loan with your next paycheck. Loan approval can take less than 30 minutes!
Ready to get started? Apply online with our simple loan contact form. After providing your information, we will call you to explain the process and how to get approved in person. Visit any Idaho Title Loans, Inc. store—whether you’re in Boise, Nampa, or Coeur d’Alene—for fast, in-person approval.
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.
