The cost of living in Boise, ID is higher than in most of Idaho and in many mid-sized US cities. A one-bedroom apartment averages about $1,412 a month, and the MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates a single adult in Ada County needs about $52,009 a year before taxes. Housing is the main driver, and a car is hard to avoid.
Last reviewed October 25, 2026. Figures are estimates from the sources linked below and vary by household.
Quick Answer
- Rent: about $1,160 for a studio, $1,412 for a one-bedroom, $1,839 for a two-bedroom and $2,437 for a three-bedroom (Rentometer, October 2026).
- Single-adult income needed: about $52,009 a year before taxes, or $25.00 an hour (MIT Living Wage, Ada County).
- Home price: a median sale price of about $540,742 in September 2026 (Redfin).
- Gas: about $4.74 per gallon for regular in Boise on October 24, 2026 (AAA).
Cost of Living in Boise: Monthly Budget at a Glance
The MIT Living Wage Calculator gives a baseline for one adult with no children in Ada County. It covers the main categories, not every expense.
| Category | Per year | Per month (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $14,969 | $1,247 |
| Food | $5,036 | $420 |
| Transportation | $9,265 | $772 |
| Medical | $3,047 | $254 |
| Civic | $3,876 | $323 |
| Internet and mobile | $1,605 | $134 |
| Other | $4,992 | $416 |
| After-tax needs | $42,790 | $3,566 |
| Taxes | $9,219 | $768 |
| Before-tax income | $52,009 | $4,334 |
For one adult with one child the pre-tax living wage is $90,619. For two adults and two children it is $93,933 if one adult works and $125,602 (combined) if both work. Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator, Ada County.
Rent and Home Prices
Rentometer reported these average rents for Boise in October 2026 (apartments and houses combined):
| Home size | Average monthly rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,160 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,412 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,839 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,437 |
Sharing a two-bedroom instead of renting a one-bedroom alone is the quickest way to cut housing costs. For buyers, Redfin showed a median sale price of $540,742 in September 2026, up 2.4% from a year earlier. Budget for property tax, insurance and maintenance on top of the mortgage, and for application fees, a security deposit and renters insurance if you rent.
Utilities and Internet
MIT’s internet and mobile estimate for one adult is $1,605 a year, about $134 a month. Electricity, natural gas, water and trash are separate. As a planning estimate, budget roughly $150 to $300 a month for those utilities combined, and expect higher bills in the winter heating and summer cooling months. Your bill depends on the home’s size, insulation and your utility plan.
- Ask whether water, trash or heat are included in the rent.
- Compare internet providers and avoid phone financing to keep fixed costs low.
- Ask your electric utility about budget billing and energy-saving programs.
Groceries and Dining Out
MIT’s baseline food cost for a single adult in Ada County is $5,036 a year, or about $420 a month. Restaurant meals, coffee and delivery push that higher, so set a separate dining budget. Store brands, seasonal produce and batch cooking help keep the total down.
Transportation and Gas Prices
MIT estimates transportation at $9,265 a year, about $772 a month, for a single adult who drives. AAA reported regular gasoline at about $4.74 a gallon in Boise on October 24, 2026 (Idaho average about $4.70), so check current AAA prices before you plan a long commute.
Public Transit
Valley Regional Transit runs bus service in the Boise area. Service is less frequent than in larger cities and many routes do not run late in the evening, so most households still rely on a car. Check Valley Regional Transit for current fares, passes and schedules before you plan a car-free commute.
Healthcare and Personal Care
MIT’s medical estimate for one adult is $3,047 a year, about $254 a month. Your real cost depends on your employer plan, deductible and providers. Compare premiums, copays and prescription coverage, and confirm that local doctors are in your plan’s network before you move.
Entertainment, Fitness and Recreation
Boise has many low-cost outdoor options, including riverside paths, parks and nearby trails. Gym memberships, movies, classes and equipment rentals add up quickly, so set a fixed monthly amount for leisure. MIT’s “other” category, which covers items such as clothing, household goods and personal care, is $4,992 a year, about $416 a month.
Monthly Budgets by Household Type
- Single adult: MIT’s after-tax needs are about $3,566 a month, or about $4,334 a month before taxes.
- One adult with one child: a pre-tax living wage of $90,619 a year, about $7,552 a month.
- Two adults, two children, one working: $93,933 a year, about $7,828 a month.
- Two adults, two children, both working: $125,602 a year combined, about $10,467 a month.
These are baseline needs, not comfortable budgets. Child care, savings and debt payments change the picture.
Moving and One-Time Costs
Moving to Boise brings costs before your regular budget starts. Plan for movers or a truck rental, fuel, a security deposit, first month’s rent, application fees, utility deposits, internet installation and basic furniture. Get written estimates from at least two movers and compare them with a do-it-yourself move.
How Much Income Do You Need in Boise?
A common guideline is to keep rent at or below 30% of gross income. On that rule, a $1,412 one-bedroom needs roughly $56,500 a year in gross income ($1,412 x 12 / 0.30). That is a little above MIT’s $52,009 living-wage baseline for one adult, which assumes lower housing costs than the current average one-bedroom rent. Sharing a two-bedroom lowers the income you need.
Related Cost of Living Guides
Compare Boise with Spokane, Denver and Portland.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do you need to live in Boise, Idaho?
MIT’s Living Wage Calculator estimates a single adult in Ada County needs about $52,009 a year before taxes, or about $25.00 an hour. After-tax needs are about $42,790 a year.
What is the average rent in Boise?
Rentometer reported averages of about $1,160 for a studio, $1,412 for a one-bedroom, $1,839 for a two-bedroom and $2,437 for a three-bedroom in October 2026.
What is the median home price in Boise?
Redfin reported a median sale price of $540,742 in September 2026, up 2.4% from a year earlier.
Is Boise an affordable place to live?
It depends on your income and housing. Boise costs more than many smaller Idaho markets, and home prices are high relative to local wages, but it is less expensive than many large West Coast cities.
Can you live in Boise without a car?
It is possible if your home, job and errands are near bus routes or bike-friendly areas. Many residents still drive because transit is less frequent and evening service is limited.
Conclusion
Boise works best when you plan around housing and transportation first. Use the rent, MIT baseline and gas figures above as a starting point, then check live listings and your own commute before you commit.
