Is it Cheaper to Live at an All Inclusive Resort Than Twin Falls?

If you can remember a time when living in Idaho used to be relatively cheap, you’ve probably lived here for more than ten years. Over the last decade, Twin Falls and the rest of the state has seen explosive growth, an exponential rise in property values, not to mention significant recent inflation. 

In an era where the cost of living is a hot topic, I've taken it upon myself to embark on an unconventional comparison. We're talking about the monthly expenses of living in a one-bedroom apartment in Twin Falls, Idaho, versus embracing a life of perpetual vacation at an all-inclusive resort. It's a comparison that may sound far-fetched at first glance, but with a dash of creativity and a pinch of willingness to embrace the non-traditional, the numbers might just surprise you.

The Cost of Living in Twin Falls, Idaho

Rent: The Foundation of The Comparison

Let's cut to the chase. A one-bedroom apartment in Twin Falls these days is going to cost you somewhere close to $2,000 a month. If you think it's easier to find something cheaper, you're living in the past. Sure, there might be cheaper options lurking in the shadows, but for something modest yet comfortable, $2k is realistic.

The Grocery Game

Inflation isn't just a buzzword; it's a reality biting at the wallets of the average Idahoan family. Websites peg the weekly grocery bill at around $270, but after random polling of some single friends, $150 per week seems more in line with today’s reality. Your mileage may vary, but we'll use this figure as our benchmark.

The Monthly Necessities Breakdown

Using a blend of anecdotal evidence and conservative estimates, here's a breakdown of monthly living expenses for a single individual in Twin Falls:

• Rent: $2,000
• Groceries: $480
• Car Payment: $500
• Insurance: $150
• Fuel: $240
• Internet: $100
• Water/City Utilities: $70
• Power: $70

Total Monthly Expense: $3,610

The All-Inclusive Resort Alternative

You'll Have to Ditch the Car Ditching for Resort Life

Imagine trading in your daily commute for a stroll along the beach. By swapping a car for an occasional Uber, we pivot our lifestyle towards an all-inclusive resort.

Finding the Right Fit

I found this list at honeymoons.com that revealed a small selection of all-inclusive resorts nestled comfortably in the $120 per night price range. While extended stays might come with their own set of rules and potential discounts, the possibility of making a resort your home base isn't as outlandish as you might think.

Conclusion: The Price of Paradise Compared

So, what's the verdict? Can the dream of all-inclusive living stand toe-to-toe with the reality of Twin Falls' cost of living? The short answer is: It's a stretch, but you can get there. With a monthly budget of $3,610 as our baseline, the all-inclusive route comes in at approximately $3,600 per month (assuming $120 per night). It's a close call, but for those yearning for a life less ordinary, the numbers suggest that paradise might just be a plausible alternative. Granted, you'd be staying at the cheapest of the cheap, but it's interesting enough by itself that in today's economy, you could reside at an all-inclusive resort for about the same as the cost of living in Twin Falls.