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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in Boise Idaho: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

1.6% below

Cost of living in Boise is 1.6% below the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for the Boise City, ID metro area (index 98.4; U.S. = 100). Median rent in Boise is $1,535 a month.

Cost of living in Boise by category

Overall prices

98.4U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

−1.6% vs. U.S.

Goods
96.2 −3.8%
Housing (rents)
105.6 +5.6%
Utilities
70.7 −29.3%
Other services
99.0 −1.0%

BEA 2024 · Boise City metro area Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,535/mo

Median gross rent

+3% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,319 About the same as U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$1,600 +7% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$1,832 +9% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$498,500 +38% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$1,845 −9% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$114/mo

Average electric bill

−27% vs. U.S.

Electricity price
13.7¢/kWh −25% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$9.57/Mcf −51% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
70.7

EIA July 2026 · Idaho statewide Details: Utilities

Transportation

20.0min

Mean travel time to work

−26% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
71.5%
Work from home
14.6%
Gasoline (PADD 4 avg.)
$4.44/gal About the same as U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$208/wk

Center care, infant

+20% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$207/wk +35% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$191/wk +32% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$145/wk About the same as U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · Ada County Details: Child care

Income

$81,102/yr

Median household income

About the same as U.S.

Median rent as share of income
23%
Home value to income
6.1×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in Boise

Median gross rent in Boise is $1,535 a month, 3% above the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,500–$1,999 range, which holds 33.6% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 18.7% pay $2,000 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $498,500, and 7.4% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: Boise vs. Idaho vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent Boise: $1,535; Idaho: $1,384; U.S.: $1,487 Boise $1,535 Idaho $1,384 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs Boise: $1,845; Idaho: $1,769; U.S.: $2,035 Boise $1,845 Idaho $1,769 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value Boise: $498,500; Idaho: $446,400; U.S.: $360,600 Boise $498,500 Idaho $446,400 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureBoiseIdahoU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,535$1,384$1,487
Monthly owner costs$1,845$1,769$2,035
Median home value$498,500$446,400$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in Boise

What renters pay in Boise Share of renter households paying cash rent in Boise by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 3.8%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 1.8%. Median $1,535. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% Less than $500: 3.8% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 4.8% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 7% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 13.1% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 18.9% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 33.6% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 13.1% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 2.9% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 0.9% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 1.8% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,535 (Boise) 33.6%
Show the data table
RangeBoiseU.S.
Less than $5003.8%6.1%
$500–$7494.8%6.8%
$750–$9997%11.5%
$1,000–$1,24913.1%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49918.9%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99933.6%22.2%
$2,000–$2,49913.1%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9992.9%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4990.9%3.2%
$3,500 or more1.8%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in Boise

Home values in Boise Share of owner-occupied homes in Boise by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 3.9%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 1.7%. Median $498,500. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% Less than $100,000: 3.9% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 0.8% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 1% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 1% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 3.5% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 17.6% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 22.4% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 31.4% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 10.8% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 5.7% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 1.7% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $498,500 (Boise) 31.4%
Show the data table
RangeBoiseU.S.
Less than $100,0003.9%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9990.8%5.7%
$150,000–$199,9991%7.5%
$200,000–$249,9991%8.4%
$250,000–$299,9993.5%8.5%
$300,000–$399,99917.6%15.9%
$400,000–$499,99922.4%12%
$500,000–$749,99931.4%16.3%
$750,000–$999,99910.8%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,9995.7%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more1.7%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in Boise

Measure Boise Idaho U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,535$1,384$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,319$1,057$1,301
2-bedroom rent $1,600$1,275$1,490
3-bedroom rent $1,832$1,686$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $1,845$1,769$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is Boise?

At the median, rent takes about 23% of household income in Boise. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $61,400 a year.

The median home is worth $498,500, or 6.1 times the median household income.

Household income in Boise

The median household in Boise earns $81,102 a year, about the same as the U.S. median of $81,604. About 12.2% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 16.1% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: Boise vs. Idaho vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) Boise: $81,102; Idaho: $81,166; U.S.: $81,604 Boise $81,102 Idaho $81,166 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureBoiseIdahoU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$81,102$81,166$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in Boise

Household income distribution in Boise Share of households in Boise by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 5.2%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 12.2%. Median $81,102. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% Less than $10,000: 5.2% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 5% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 2.5% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 3.4% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 2.3% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 2.9% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 2.5% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 3.2% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 3.9% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 6.1% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 9.1% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 14% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 9.8% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 8% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 9.9% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 12.2% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $81,102 (Boise) 14%
Show the data table
RangeBoiseU.S.
Less than $10,0005.2%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9995%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9992.5%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9993.4%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9992.3%3%
$30,000–$34,9992.9%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9992.5%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9993.2%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9993.9%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9996.1%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9999.1%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99914%12.6%
$100,000–$124,9999.8%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9998%7.4%
$150,000–$199,9999.9%9.7%
$200,000 or more12.2%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure Boise Idaho U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $81,102$81,166$81,604
Median home value $498,500$446,400$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, the Boise City, ID metro area scored 98.4 for all items. The highest category is housing rents at 105.6; the lowest is utilities at 70.7.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items Boise City metro area: 98.4; Idaho: 95.5; U.S.: 100.0 Boise City metro area 98.4 Idaho 95.5 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods Boise City metro area: 96.2; Idaho: 96.3; U.S.: 99.6 Boise City metro area 96.2 Idaho 96.3 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) Boise City metro area: 105.6; Idaho: 90.0; U.S.: 100.6 Boise City metro area 105.6 Idaho 90.0 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities Boise City metro area: 70.7; Idaho: 70.4; U.S.: 98.4 Boise City metro area 70.7 Idaho 70.4 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services Boise City metro area: 99.0; Idaho: 99.0; U.S.: 100.1 Boise City metro area 99.0 Idaho 99.0 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureBoise City metro areaIdahoU.S.
All items98.495.5100.0
Goods96.296.399.6
Housing (rents)105.690.0100.6
Utilities70.770.498.4
Other services99.099.0100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Metro area: Boise City, ID. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in Idaho paid an average of 13.7¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $114 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $9.57 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices are reported statewide, so these are Idaho averages rather than figures for Boise alone.

Energy prices: Idaho vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) Idaho: 13.7¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ Idaho 13.7¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) Idaho: $114; U.S.: $157 Idaho $114 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) Idaho: $9.57; U.S.: $19.40 Idaho $9.57 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureIdahoU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)13.7¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$114$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$9.57$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in Boise who commute spend an average of 20.0 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (71.5% of workers); 14.6% work from home. Gasoline in the Rocky Mountain region (PADD 4), which includes Idaho, averaged $4.44 a gallon for regular in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally. EIA publishes no separate Idaho price.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work Boise: Drove alone 71.5%, Carpooled 7.1%, Public transit 0.2%, Walked 2.6%, Bicycle 2.5%, Worked from home 14.6%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.5%. Idaho: Drove alone 72.9%, Carpooled 9.4%, Public transit 0.5%, Walked 2.6%, Bicycle 0.6%, Worked from home 12.7%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.3%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in Boise: Drove alone. Boise Boise · Drove alone: 71.5% 71.5% Boise · Carpooled: 7.1% Boise · Public transit: 0.2% Boise · Walked: 2.6% Boise · Bicycle: 2.5% Boise · Worked from home: 14.6% 14.6% Boise · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.5% Idaho Idaho · Drove alone: 72.9% 72.9% Idaho · Carpooled: 9.4% Idaho · Public transit: 0.5% Idaho · Walked: 2.6% Idaho · Bicycle: 0.6% Idaho · Worked from home: 12.7% 12.7% Idaho · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.3% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationBoiseIdahoU.S.
Drove alone71.5%72.9%69.2%
Carpooled7.1%9.4%9.2%
Public transit0.2%0.5%3.7%
Walked2.6%2.6%2.4%
Bicycle2.5%0.6%0.5%
Worked from home14.6%12.7%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)1.5%1.3%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in Boise

Travel time to work in Boise Share of workers who do not work from home in Boise by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 1.7%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 2%. Mean 20.0 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than 5 min: 1.7% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 10.8% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 21% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 23.9% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 18.1% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 7.5% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 8.3% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 1.5% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 0.9% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 2.6% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 1.7% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 2% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 20.0 min (Boise) 23.9%
Show the data table
RangeBoiseU.S.
Less than 5 min1.7%2.8%
5–9 min10.8%9.4%
10–14 min21%13.1%
15–19 min23.9%15%
20–24 min18.1%14.1%
25–29 min7.5%7%
30–34 min8.3%13.7%
35–39 min1.5%3.4%
40–44 min0.9%4.1%
45–59 min2.6%8.3%
60–89 min1.7%6.3%
90 min or more2%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in Boise

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $208 a week in Ada County, or $10,816 over 52 weeks. That is 20% above the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care Ada County Idaho (county median) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $208$127$174
Center-based care, toddler $207$122$153
Center-based care, preschool $191$113$144
Center-based care, school-age $179$108$120
Home-based family care, infant $145$109$143
Home-based family care, toddler $138$109$132
Home-based family care, preschool $128$102$131
Home-based family care, school-age $132$102$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than Boise prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in Boise?

Median rent is $1,319 for a one-bedroom and $1,600 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in Boise?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 15.6% pay less than $1,000 a month, 65.6% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 18.7% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in Boise?

To keep the median rent of $1,535 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $61,400 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is Boise more expensive than the U.S. average?

No. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in the Boise City, ID metro area at 98.4 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 1.6% below average. Housing rents score 105.6.

How long is the average commute in Boise?

20.0 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in Boise?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $208 a week in Ada County in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.