Boise, ID Utility & Living Guide

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Boise, ID Utility & Living Guide

Boise is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Idaho. It is the county seat of Ada County. The population of the city was 235,685 at the 2020 census. The Boise metropolitan area, located in the Treasure Valley, includes five counties of Idaho with an estimated population of 846,000

Last updated: August 28, 2026
Total Utilities$263/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index96.2 (-3.8% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$340,000
📷 Live Cameras — Boise
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🌤️ Live Weather — Boise
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🚨 City In The News
Boise, IDThe latest recognition of Boise as a top destination for remote workers is a testament to the city's unique blend of affordability, natural beauty, and modern amenities. For individuals considering relocating to Boise, this designation is especially relevant, as it highlights the city's appeal as a place to balance work and play. Boise's cost of living is notably lower compared to other mid-size cities, making it an attractive option for remote workers looking to stretch their dollars further. The city's housing market, while growing, still offers a range of affordable options, from modern apartments to family-friendly homes. With its proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities, a thriving cultural scene, and a growing food and drink scene, Boise's quality of life is hard to beat. As more people consider leaving traditional office environments behind, Boise's reputation as a hub for remote workers is likely to continue to grow, attracting new residents and businesses to the area. With its winning combination of affordability, lifestyle, and opportunity, Boise is worth watching as a city that is poised to thrive in the era of remote work.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Boise
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🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$108/mo

Idaho Power
🔥 Gas

$43/mo

Intermountain Gas Company
💧 Water

$32/mo

City of Boise Public Works
🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

Republic Services
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$263/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$340,000
Property Tax Rate0.93%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The Boise housing market is highly competitive, with low inventory and rising prices. The city has seen an influx of new residents, driving up demand for housing. As a result, renters and buyers can expect to face stiff competition.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

96.2

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-3.8% below national average

Groceries

94.3

Transportation

88.2

Healthcare

97.2

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate0.93%
<p>State 6% + no County or City sales tax</p>

Idaho has a state income tax with rates ranging from 1.125% to 6.925%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2.5% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple, with a mix of conservative and liberal leanings
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in tech, healthcare, and education
Top Local Concerns
Growth management, traffic congestion, affordable housing
🚌 Transit for Families

Boise has a relatively stroller-friendly public transit system, with accessible buses and a downtown area that is easy to navigate on foot

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Boise Zoo
  • 🎯
    Idaho State Capitol building
  • 🎯
    World Center for Birds of Prey

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The North End and East End are popular neighborhoods for families, with tree-lined streets, parks, and a strong sense of community. The downtown area is also becoming increasingly family-friendly, with new restaurants and shops catering to families.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Boise based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Boise has regulations in place to protect its natural environment and manage growth, including rules on zoning, building permits, and water conservation

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📊 Boise — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer months bring higher electricity bills due to air conditioning usage, while winter months see increased natural gas usage for heating. Residents can expect to pay around 15% more for utilities during the peak summer and winter months.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The Ada County assessor's office provides property tax information by ZIP code, with millage rates ranging from 0.5% to 1.5% depending on the location

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

8/10, with wide sidewalks, accessible parks, and a relatively flat downtown area, making it easy to get around with a stroller

🏛️ City Heritage & History

Boise, Idaho, the state's capital and most populous city, boasts a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The origin of the city's name is uncertain, but one account credits Captain B. L. E. Bonneville and his French-speaking guide, who, upon seeing the verdant river valley, exclaimed "Les bois! Les bois!" or "The woods! The woods!" This phrase may have stuck, giving the city its unique name. French Canadian fur trappers associated with the Hudson's Bay Company also played a role in the area's early history, with the river that flows through the city potentially being named by these mountain men in the 1820s. Today, Boise is a thriving city with a strong sense of community and a deep connection to its natural surroundings.

📍 Boise City Stories

Boise, Idaho — How Micron’s $50 billion Boise buildout is reshaping its hom

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Boise, Idaho — City Overview

Boise is experiencing a surge in tech industry growth, with major companies like Micron and HP having a...

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📰 Latest ID Stories
Idaho Living Report — July 27, 2026

Idaho Living Report — July 27, 2026

From the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Range to the rolling potato fields of the Snake River Plain,...

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Idaho Living Report — July 26, 2026

Idaho Living Report — July 26, 2026

Against a backdrop of soaring prices in many western states, Idaho has carved out a reputation as a...

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Idaho Living Report — July 25, 2026

Idaho Living Report — July 25, 2026

Idaho’s population now sits at roughly 1,854,109, a modest but steady increase that reflects a quiet migration pattern...

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Idaho Living Report — July 24, 2026

Idaho Living Report — July 24, 2026

With a population of just over 1.85 million spread across a landscape of high desert plains, rugged mountains,...

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