Shopping and Everyday Errands in Boise for Micron Movers

How does everyday shopping in Boise compare with the West Coast?

If you're moving to Boise from California, Oregon, or Washington for Micron, the biggest change in everyday shopping and errands is the sales tax you pay at the register. Idaho's state sales tax rate is 6%, per the Idaho State Tax Commission. California's base sales and use tax rate is 7.25%, per the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, and local district taxes can push the rate you pay higher. Washington's state retail sales tax rate is 6.5%, with local rates on top, per the Washington State Department of Revenue. Oregon has no general sales tax, per the Oregon Department of Revenue, so if you're coming from there, sales tax is a new line on every purchase.

Idaho taxes groceries at the same 6% rate, but residents get a food tax credit on their state income tax return to offset it, per the Idaho State Tax Commission. For the rest of the move, my Micron relocation guide covers the checklist, and the Living in Boise guide has more on day to day life.

Where do you shop in Boise?

The big shopping in the valley splits between two places. The Village at Meridian, at Eagle Road and Fairview Avenue in Meridian, has apparel and specialty shops, restaurants and cafes, Village Cinemas, and a park with a show fountain, per its own website. Boise Towne Square is the mall at 350 N. Milwaukee St. in Boise, per its own website.

Downtown Boise and BoDo carry the local shops, restaurants, and patios. If you want the walkable storefronts rather than the big centers, that's where to start.

What about groceries and everyday errands?

Groceries are easy to reach. Downtown you have Trader Joe's at 300 S. Capitol Blvd. and Whole Foods at 401 S. Broadway Ave. Albertsons is at 1219 S. Broadway Ave., and the Boise Co-op is at 888 W. Fort St. in the North End.

Where should you live for easy errands?

Where you land changes how far errands are. Downtown Boise and the North End put you close to the local storefronts and groceries on foot. Meridian sits right at The Village at Meridian. The Bench is close to the airport. If you're moving for Micron, your commute to 8000 S. Federal Way matters too, so weigh both before you pick.