Cost of Living Comparison for Boise, ID
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Boise's cost of living index is 107 — 7% more expensive than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Boise local data
How Boise Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Boise stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Boise, ID | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $435,000 | $420,800 | +3.4% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,298 | $1,713 | -24.2% |
| Median Household Income | $70,400 | $74,580 | -5.6% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.63% | 1.10% | -42.7% |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 100 | +7.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Boise Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 820,000
- Unemployment
- 2.8%
- Avg Commute
- 22 min
- Median Age
- 36.7
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 27.9x
- Annual Property Tax
- $2,741
Frequently Asked Questions — Boise
What is the median home price in Boise, ID?
The median home price in Boise is $435,000 as of 2025–2026. This is above the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Boise?
Median monthly rent in Boise is $1,298. That works out to $15,576/year, or 22% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Boise affordable?
Boise's cost of living index is 107 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $70,400/year and a median home price of $435,000, the price-to-income ratio is 6.2x. This makes homeownership a significant stretch for the typical Boise household.
What is the property tax rate in Boise?
The effective property tax rate in Boise is 0.63% of assessed value. On the median home of $435,000, that's roughly $2,741/year ($228/month).