Cost of living in Boise, Idaho (2026)

How much does a house cost in Boise?

The median single-family home in Ada County, which includes Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and Kuna, sold for $595,000 in August 2026, up 6.9% from a year earlier. In Canyon County, which includes Nampa, the median was $443,100. Both figures come from Intermountain MLS.

Price depends heavily on where you buy. The North End and Eagle sit near the top of the market. The Bench, Southwest Boise, Kuna, and Nampa give you more house for the money. The neighborhood guide compares every area.

Is Boise cheaper than California?

For most California movers, yes. In August 2026, the median existing single-family home in California sold for $901,420, according to the California Association of REALTORS. In Ada County, which includes Boise, the median existing single-family home sold for $579,900, according to Boise Regional REALTORS. Idaho's income tax is a single 5.3% rate, while California's graduated rates go up to 13.3% on the highest incomes. Boise is no longer the bargain it was before 2020, though, so budget with current numbers.

How much is rent in Boise?

A two-bedroom apartment in Boise rents for about $1,550 a month, and a one-bedroom for about $1,450, according to Zumper's September 2026 data. Rents vary by area and building.

A lot of my out-of-state clients rent for a few months first, learn the city, and then buy. I manage rentals here, so I can help you land somewhere good while you look, without signing a lease sight unseen.

What are property taxes like in Boise?

Property taxes in Idaho are set by each taxing district, so the exact rate depends on the address. In 2025, the average property tax rate in Ada County was 0.642%, per the Idaho State Tax Commission.

The big thing to know is the homeowner's exemption. On your primary home, Idaho exempts 50% of the value of the house and up to one acre, up to $125,000. You have to apply for it with the county assessor after you buy. I'll remind you.

Does Idaho have a state income tax?

Yes. Idaho taxes income at a single 5.3% rate. For 2025, the first $4,811 of taxable income ($9,622 for married couples filing jointly) is taxed at 0%.

How that compares depends on where you're coming from:

California and Oregon use graduated brackets, so compare the tax at your own income, not the top rates. Washington movers will pay more, so factor that into the budget.

What is the sales tax in Boise?

Idaho's sales tax is 6%, and Boise doesn't add a city sales tax on top. Neither do Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Kuna, or Star. Groceries are taxed, but Idaho gives residents a food tax credit on their state income tax return, currently $155 per person, to offset it.

What do utilities cost in Boise?

Utilities run below the national average. Idaho Power supplies electricity, and about a third of its energy comes from hydroelectric dams, mostly on the Snake River.

Residential electricity in 2026 costs about 12 to 15 cents per kilowatt-hour in summer (June through September) and about 10 to 11 cents the rest of the year, plus a $15 monthly service charge. Summer bills are the highest because of air conditioning. Natural gas comes from Intermountain Gas, and most of Boise gets water from Veolia.