Cities › Idaho

Cost of Living in Boise City, ID

Population 237,242 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,446
Median home value$484,800
Median household income$83,904

The median rent in Boise City, ID is $1,446/month, 17% higher than the Idaho median and 2% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $484,800, 46% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $83,904 a year, 8% higher than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 20.7%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $57,840/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 5.8×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $2,451/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Boise City vs. Idaho vs. U.S.

Boise CityIdahoU.S.
Median rent$1,446$1,238$1,413
Median home value$484,800$418,600$332,700
Median household income$83,904$77,800$80,734
Homeownership rate63.2%72.1%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher47.5%31.8%35.7%
Poverty rate10.6%10.6%12.5%
Unemployment rate3.6%3.7%5.2%
Work from home17.6%13.3%15.1%
Median age38.637.338.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Boise City, ID?

The median gross rent in Boise City, ID is $1,446 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Boise City, ID?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $57,840 a year in gross income.

Is Boise City, ID expensive to live in?

Rent there is 2% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 5.8 times the median household income.

Other cities in Idaho

Meridian, IDRent $1,805 · Income $100,795Nampa, IDRent $1,420 · Income $74,279Idaho Falls, IDRent $1,075 · Income $73,110Caldwell, IDRent $1,264 · Income $73,058Pocatello, IDRent $948 · Income $60,418Coeur d'Alene, IDRent $1,468 · Income $72,338

Cities with a similar cost of living

Orem, UTRent $1,438 · Income $83,342Concord, NHRent $1,441 · Income $84,902Gloucester, MARent $1,411 · Income $83,883Keizer, ORRent $1,424 · Income $84,813Auburn Hills, MIRent $1,477 · Income $84,375Smyrna, TNRent $1,461 · Income $81,926

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

Explore more

Best Web Hosting for First-Time Site Owners (2026)Best AI Writing Tools for Marketers & Solo Founders (2026)Mortgage Payment CalculatorDiscount CalculatorPlay: Tide Pool PopPlay: Orbit Dodge
Get the best finds weekly

New tools, top deals and new pages — one short email a week. No spam.