Pocatello, Idaho | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros

Welcome to Pocatello, ID!

Nestled in southeastern Idaho, Pocatello is known as the "Gateway to the Northwest." This city offers a blend of rich history, outdoor recreation, and a welcoming community, making it an ideal destination for travel nurses seeking both professional opportunities and leisure activities.​

💰 Cost of Living

Pocatello boasts a cost of living approximately 13.7% lower than the national average, making it an affordable choice for residents. ​BestPlaces

• Median Home Price: $291,500, significantly lower than the U.S. average of $338,100. ​BestPlaces

• Median Rent: Around $999 per month, which is 47% lower than the national average. ​Zumper - Apartments for Rent & Houses

🌦️ Weather (Month by Month)

Pocatello experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Here's a monthly breakdown:​

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Precipitation	Notes
January	33°F	17°F	1.14 in	Cold with possible snowfall ❄️
February	38°F	21°F	1.01 in	Chilly but starting to warm 🌤️
March	49°F	28°F	1.38 in	Mild temperatures, early spring 🌸
April	58°F	33°F	1.18 in	Pleasant spring weather 🌷
May	68°F	41°F	1.51 in	Warmer days, ideal for outdoor activities ☀️
June	78°F	48°F	0.91 in	Start of the hot season 🌞
July	88°F	54°F	0.70 in	Hottest month, great for water activities 🏖️
August	87°F	52°F	0.66 in	Hot with minimal rainfall 🌞
September	76°F	44°F	0.89 in	Cooling down, early fall vibes 🍂
October	61°F	34°F	0.97 in	Crisp autumn weather 🍁
November	44°F	26°F	1.13 in	Cooler temperatures, winter approaching 🌧️
December	33°F	17°F	1.10 in	Cold and festive season 🎄

For more detailed climate information, visit Best Places – Pocatello Climate.​BestPlaces

🛋️ Furnished Housing Options

For comfortable short-term stays, consider the following furnished housing options:

1. Zillow Furnished Apartments in Pocatello 🏠A variety of furnished apartments suitable for short-term rentals.

2. Apartments.com Furnished ApartmentsListings of furnished apartments available for short-term leases.

3. Airbnb Monthly Rentals in PocatelloFully furnished homes and apartments available for extended stays.

4. Furnished Finder RentalsSpecialized in furnished housing for travel professionals.

   
   
   
   

🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

For those preferring hotel amenities with the comfort of home:

1. TownePlace Suites by Marriott PocatelloOffers spacious suites with full kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and an indoor pool.

2. Extended Stay PocatelloProvides affordable nightly, weekly, and monthly rooms with kitchenettes, Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly options.

3. Grand Idaho Extended StayFeatures fully furnished rooms with kitchenettes, Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly accommodations at competitive rates.

4. Hampton Inn & Suites PocatelloOffers comfortable suites with free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a fitness center.

   
   

🚐 RV Park Options

For those traveling with an RV, here are some top-rated parks:

1. Pocatello KOA JourneyOffers grassy, shaded tent sites, pull-thru RV sites up to 60 ft., and cabin options. Amenities include Wi-Fi and fire pits.

2. Batise Springs RV ParkProvides full hook-up sites with 30/50 amp service, water, sewer, and on-site laundry facilities.

3. Cowboy RV ParkFeatures full hook-ups, pull-thru sites, laundry facilities, and is pet-friendly.

4. Buffalo Meadows RV ParkLocated near the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel, offering pull-through spots and access to casino amenities.

   
   
   
   

🎡 Fun Things to Do in Pocatello, ID

• 🧪 Museum of CleanA unique, fun museum that explores cleanliness and sustainability — much cooler than it sounds!

• 🐘 Zoo IdahoA regional zoo home to native wildlife like bears, elk, and bison — perfect for a family outing or relaxing afternoon.

• 🎨 Idaho Museum of Natural HistoryLocated on the Idaho State University campus, this museum offers exhibits on geology, paleontology, and local Indigenous history.

• 🎭 Westside Players TheatreEnjoy local talent in an intimate setting with regular performances and comedy nights.

• ⛷️ Pebble Creek Ski AreaJust 20 minutes outside of Pocatello — offering winter skiing and summer mountain biking with incredible views!

• 🌄 City Creek Trail SystemOver 50 miles of trails perfect for hiking, trail running, or mountain biking right on the edge of town.

🚗 Nearby Weekend Trips

• 🌊 Lava Hot Springs (45 min):Soak in natural hot springs or float the river — a popular spot for relaxation year-round.

• 🎣 American Falls Reservoir (1 hr):Fishing, boating, and scenic sunsets await at one of Idaho's largest reservoirs.

• 🏞️ Craters of the Moon National Monument (1.5 hrs):Explore ancient lava flows, caves, and otherworldly terrain in this unique national monument.

• 🌻 Jackson Hole, WY & Grand Teton National Park (2.5–3 hrs):A longer weekend getaway, but totally worth it for breathtaking mountain views, hiking, and wildlife.

• 🎿 Sun Valley Resort (2.5 hrs):World-class skiing in the winter and mountain luxury year-round.

🧭 Summary

Pocatello, ID offers travel nurses a unique balance of affordable living, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. Whether you're hiking in the hills after work, enjoying a soak in nearby hot springs, or grabbing coffee in historic Old Town, this city makes an ideal home base for any assignment.

✅ Low cost of living

✅ Plenty of furnished housing & RV options

✅ Snow sports, hot springs, and hiking all nearby

✅ Charming downtown and friendly locals

✅ Short drive to national parks and mountain escapes

Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.