Boise, ID Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Boise, ID Utility & Living Guide

Living in Boise offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and urban amenities in the heart of Idaho

Last updated: June 26, 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
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Boise
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 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.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

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

Boise is experiencing a surge in tech industry growth, with major companies like Micron and HP having a presence in the city. This growth is driving up housing prices and rental rates, making it essential for residents to budget accordingly.

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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

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