Boise City, Idaho has an overall cost of living index of 91.1, which is 8.9 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,359 per month, while the typical home is valued around $456,000. Households earn a median of $81,308 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 24. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$81,308
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,359
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$456,000
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
91.1
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,170
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,381
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,655
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$2,318
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
91.1
Goods
94.1
Rents / Housing
79.0
Services
88.2
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
5.80%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
6.00%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $106,810 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $77,520 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $61,780 |
| ⚡Electrician | $66,680 |
| 📊Accountant | $73,380 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
235,701
Latest estimate
Median Age
38.2 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
24.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Boise City?
Boise City has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 91.1. The US national average is 100, so Boise City is 8.9 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Boise City?
The median gross rent in Boise City is $1,359 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Boise City?
The median household income in Boise City is $81,308 per year.
What is the median home value in Boise City?
The median home value in Boise City is $456,000 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Boise City?
Boise City has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 24.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Boise City?
Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.80% and a statewide sales tax of 6.00% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology