If you’re thinking about making the move to Boise like many people are, then you’re probably curious to know what salary you need to live comfortably. Since I’ve lived in Boise for nearly my entire life, I wanted to provide my real-life experience living here.
Let’s take a look at a detailed breakdown of how much it costs to live in Boise, and how much you need to make.
What Salary Do You Need to Live in Boise?
To live in Boise you need to make at least $15 per hour or roughly $31,200 annually. This wage is enough for one adult to pay for necessities like housing, food, and utilities. That said, the average price to rent an apartment in Boise ranges from $1,200 to $1,700 depending on the area.
Below is a quick breakdown of the average cost of living in Boise, Idaho, and some surrounding areas.
| Boise Expenses | Average costs |
| Housing | 1-bed apartment: 1,000-$1,250 2 bed, 2 bath apartment: 1,500-$1,800 3 bed, 2 bath house: 1,800-$2,100 |
| Transportation | Bus day pass: $2.50 Uber: 10-$20 per ride Gas: 40-$80 per week |
| Food | Groceries: $45 per week (1 person) Eating out: $15 per meal |
| Healthcare | Health insurance: 330-$520 per month |
| Utilities | Gas: $55 Electricity: $95 Water: $40 Trash: $35 Internet: $60 |
| Entertainment | Gym: 20-$50 Movies: $15 Drinks: 5-$10 per drink |
| Other | Sales tax: 6% Income tax: 1-5% Property tax 1-1.5% |
Housing costs
Almost everyone knows that housing costs in Boise, Idaho have become more expensive than the national average. With so many people moving to Boise, the demand for homes is at an all-time high!
The median home value in Boise is around $450,000, which is higher than the national average of around $344,000. Obviously, the cost of housing varies depending on the location and type of home you get.
For example, homes in more desirable neighborhoods such as North Boise, as well as surrounding areas like Eagle and Meridian will likely cost even more.
Rent prices in Boise have also gone up in recent years. The average cost to rent in Boise is now around $1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
This is still lower than the national average of around $1,800 per month in other states for a similar-sized apartment.
That said, you can find more affordable housing options if you’re willing to live in a nearby city like Nampa or Caldwell, which is only a 20-30 minute drive away from downtown Boise.
Overall, the cost of housing in Boise is generally still less expensive compared to other parts of the country.
Transportation
The cost of transportation in Boise can vary depending on the mode and the distance traveled.
One affordable option for getting around is the Valley Ride bus system, which serves the city and surrounding areas like Nampa and Caldwell.
The cost of a single ride on the bus is $1.50, and there are also day passes for $2.50 and even monthly passes for those who use the bus frequently.
Another option for getting around Boise is to use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft.
The cost of an Uber ride will depend on where you’re headed and the time of day, but on average, an Uber trip within the city will cost around $10-$15.
If you prefer to drive yourself, you’re in luck. Gas prices in Boise are generally lower than the national average which means that driving a car can be an affordable option for getting around the city.
The average cost of gas in Boise ranges from $3.80 to $4.20 per gallon, which is still slightly lower than the national average of around $5.00 per gallon.
That said, there are so many Teslas driving around the area that some people don’t even pay for gas. As a result, there are several Tesla charging stations around town as well.
If you want to save money on transportation, you can! Boise is a very walkable city, with many areas that are easily accessible by foot.
There are also a lot of electric scooters and e-bikes available for rent, which can be a fun and convenient way to get around.
Just watch for potholes… I had to learn the hard way.
Furthermore, many people enjoy riding their bikes to get around. With just as many bike lanes as there are roads, biking is an effective mode of transportation in the Treasure Valley.
Food
The cost of food in Boise can vary depending on where you shop and what you like to eat. In general, the cost of groceries is lower than the national average, which means that it can be affordable to buy food and cook at home.
Some popular grocery stores in town include Albertsons, Whole Foods, and Fred Meyer.
These stores offer a nice variety of foods, including local and organic options at relatively affordable prices, but they are usually more expensive than other stores in the area.
As a result, I rarely shop at these stores because I eat a lot, and my grocery bill is usually double if I shop at these places.
To save money on groceries, you can shop at stores like Winco, Walmart, or Costco. These stores offer a similar selection of foods at lower prices compared to the others.
On average, my wife and I spend $100 per week on groceries. This includes things like chicken, beef, eggs, vegetables, almond milk, and an assortment of yummy snacks.
If you prefer to eat out, a meal at a sit-down restaurant will cost roughly $15-$20 per person, but prices can be higher or lower depending on the restaurant.
Some popular (and expensive) restaurants in Boise include Luciano’s, Barbacoa, and Bardenay. Although I’m a huge fan of Luciano’s Chicken Parmesan, there are cheaper options available around town.
One of my go-to spots is Texas Roadhouse (they give you “free” rolls with cinnamon butter)!
Healthcare
When it comes to Boise’s healthcare, it’s generally more affordable compared to other parts of the country. For example, the average cost of a doctor’s visit in town is around $130, compared to the national average of over $300.
Similarly, the average cost of an emergency room visit in Boise is around $500, but in some cases, it’s almost double.
My sister went to the ER recently at a local Boise hospital (St. Luke’s), and the ER visit alone cost $938 before insurance.
Speaking of health insurance, the average plan in Boise costs around $400 per month for an individual. This is lower than the national average of $477 per month.
Despite the generally lower cost of healthcare, there are still many people who struggle to afford a plan. To help these folks, Boise has systems in place to provide access to affordable healthcare options.
For example, the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange offers a number of affordable health insurance plans for low-income individuals and families.
Also, there are community health centers that provide affordable healthcare services to those in need.
And if you have pets that require a routine checkup, the Idaho Humane Society offers a discount for households with low income. Just make sure to ask, otherwise, you’ll never hear about it.
Overall, healthcare in the Treasure Valley is generally more affordable compared to other parts of the country, and there are options available to help those who cannot afford healthcare.
Utilities
Utilities in Boise are fairly affordable in my opinion. On average, water costs around $50 per month, electricity $100 per month, natural gas $50 per month, and basic trash pick up (not including recycling or compost) is a $35 fee.
Keep in mind, most apartments in the area cover the cost of water, sewer, and trash for you. Hence, you can save a little money on utilities if you aren’t planning to rent or buy a home.
If you want additional services like internet without cable, you’ll pay an average of $50 per month for the most basic service.
The two main internet providers in the town include CenturyLink and Sparklight (also known as Cable One).
Overall, the cost of utilities in Boise is generally affordable, with a range of options available to suit different needs and preferences.
Entertainment
There is plenty of things to do in Boise, and almost everything is affordable. For example, a gym membership costs about $40 per month, which is a great deal if you’re trying to stay fit.
That said, I’ll let you in on a secret. If you can find a local gym near you, they’re often more affordable and less busy. I know Idaho Fitness Factory (my personal favorite) only costs $20 per month, plus they’re 24/7!
If you’re more into the nightlife, you’ll find a number of bars and clubs around town that offer drinks for $5 to $10. Plus, most places have a happy hour so you can save even more money.
Boise also offers a number of free activities and attractions.
For example, there are numerous parks and outdoor spaces in town that are free including Camel’s Back (Hyde Park), Julia Davis, and Kathryn Albertson Park.
Moreover, there are a ton of free activities you can enjoy outdoors. Hiking, biking, swimming, and rafting are all available within the city and cost nothing as long as you have your own gear.
Take advantage of it!
Also, there are several free events and festivals held in Boise throughout the year, such as the Boise Music Festival and the Hyde Park Street Fair.
Other expenses to consider
If you’re thinking about moving to the City of Trees, there are some other expenses you should consider. Boise has a state income tax rate of 1% to 5% and a sales tax rate of 6%.
Plus, if you own a home, you’ll have to pay a property tax rate of 1.55%. These rates are all still lower than the national average though. Nevertheless, it’s important to factor these expenses into your budget.
Overall, the cost of living in Boise is typically lower than the national average, which means it can be more affordable to live here versus other parts of the country. In fact, it might be cheaper than where you currently live. Hmm.
How Much Does it Cost to Live Comfortably in Boise?
To live comfortably in Boise, you need to make around $3,500 per month after taxes. This amount is based on the average cost of living in Boise. With $3,500, you can afford to rent a nice apartment, splurge on groceries, enjoy nights out, plus cover the cost of healthcare and other necessities.
However, the exact amount you need to make to live comfortably in Boise may vary depending on your specific circumstances and lifestyle.
For example, if you have a family, you may need to make more money to cover the cost of a larger apartment and groceries for more people.
Similarly, if you have a higher-than-average cost of healthcare or an expensive vehicle that’s not paid off, you may need to make more money to cover those expenses.
What Is Middle-Class Income in Idaho?
The middle-class income in Idaho is around $73,000 per year for a family of four. This amount is based on the median household income in Idaho, which is $68,747 per year. The middle-class income in Idaho may vary depending on the specific location and the cost of living.
For example, middle-class income in Boise might be higher than in rural areas of Idaho due to the higher cost of living.
Additionally, it varies depending on factors such as the number of people in the household and the age of the household members.
Overall, the middle-class income in Idaho is lower than the national average, which means that it can be more affordable to live in Idaho compared to other parts of the country.
What Is High-Class Income in Idaho?
The high-class income for an individual in Idaho is generally considered to be above $75,000 per year. For a family of four, an upper-class income is typically considered anything above $150,000 per year.
Additionally, the upper-class income for a family of four in Idaho can depend on factors like the ages of the household members and their occupations.
Though I know for a fact that if you’re a family of four with minimal expenses, $150,000 will enable you to live a very high-class lifestyle anywhere in Idaho—including Boise.
Considering how affordable the city is, you might be even more tempted to move here. If you’re looking for additional reasons to move to Boise, we’ve got you covered!