Cost of Living in Boise City, ID

Population 235,701 · Idaho · Data vintage 2023

131
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Boise City lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $456,000 — 50% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Idaho.

Cost Overview

Housing 150
Rent 103

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Boise City

The median home value in Boise City is $456,000 — 50% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,359/month, 3% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,308/year is 9% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Idaho's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 64.3°F and lows of 42.0°F, with about 17.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Boise City has a cost of living index of 131 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$456,000
50% above avg
Median Rent
$1,359/mo
3% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
28.0x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$752
1 BR
$822
2 BR
$982
3 BR
$1,367
4 BR
$1,643
Owner-occupied 63.0%
Renter-occupied 37.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,359
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,973/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
20.5 min
24% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
68.6%
Carpooled
7.6%
Public transit
0.6%
Walked
3.4%
Bicycle
2.3%
Work from home
15.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$81,308
9% above avg
Per Capita Income
$48,274
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
21% below avg
Poverty Rate
10.6%
Labor Force Participation
68.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 29.2%
Graduate degree 17.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.2
Male median age 37.2
Female median age 39.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
64.3°F
Avg Low
42.0°F
Annual Precip
11.5"
Annual Snowfall
17.6"
20° 40° 60° 80° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 394656627281939180654939
Low °F 262935404854626153423225
Precip" 1.411.001.331.231.450.750.210.170.430.811.181.54
Snow" 5.33.31.20.10.00.00.00.00.00.12.05.6

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good
68.8%
Good air days/yr
120
Max AQI recorded
114
PM2.5 days
245
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Boise City, ID?

Boise City has a cost index of 131 (100 = national average). It is 31% above the national average.

What is average rent in Boise City, ID?

The median gross rent in Boise City is $1,359 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Boise City?

The median home value in Boise City is $456,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Boise City?

The median household income in Boise City is $81,308 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Boise City, ID?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Boise City is 6.0%. The Idaho state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Boise City, ID affordable?

Boise City is above average in cost of living, with an index of 131 — about 31% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Boise City?

Boise City has average high temperatures of 64.3°F and average lows of 42.0°F. Annual precipitation is 11.5". Average annual snowfall is 17.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Boise City at a Glance

Population
235,701
Median Income
$81,308
Home Value
$456,000
Median Rent
$1,359/mo
Unemployment
3.8%
Avg High Temp
64.3°F
Sales Tax
6.0%
View all cities in Idaho →
🗺️ County data for Idaho

Explore county-level cost of living data

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