Garden City, ID Utility & Living Guide

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Garden City, ID Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$340/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index108 (+8% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$340,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Garden City
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$130/mo

Idaho Power
🔥 Gas

$60/mo

Intermountain Gas Company
💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Garden City Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Republic Services
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$340/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$2000/mo
Median Home Price$340,000
Property Tax Rate1.25%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Garden City is growing rapidly, with new developments and renovations popping up throughout the city. However, this growth has also led to increased competition and higher prices. Despite this, Garden City remains an attractive option for those looking for a more affordable alternative to Boise.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

108

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+8% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

96

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.25%
<p>State 6% + No County or City tax</p>

Idaho has a state income tax with a top rate of 6.925%, but there are no local income taxes in Garden City.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+10% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of conservative and liberal influences
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in tech, healthcare, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordable housing, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Garden City has a limited public transit system, but it is relatively stroller-friendly, with accessible buses and a growing network of bike lanes and sidewalks.

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

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, such as Riverside and Parkcenter, are popular with families due to their walkability, parks, and community events. The city is also investing in new developments and amenities in these areas, making them even more attractive to families.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Garden City has regulations in place to preserve its small-town character, including restrictions on commercial development and a strong emphasis on community involvement.

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📊 Garden City — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Garden City tend to be higher in the winter months due to heating needs, with the average gas bill increasing by 20-30% from December to February. In contrast, summer months see a slight decrease in utility costs, with the average electric bill decreasing by 10-15% from June to August.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The property tax millage rate in Garden City is 1.25%, with no local surtaxes. However, residents may be subject to additional taxes depending on their specific ZIP code and location within the city.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score: 8, Garden City has made significant investments in its sidewalks, parks, and bike lanes, making it a relatively stroller-friendly city. However, some areas still lack adequate accessibility features, such as curb cuts and elevator access in older buildings.

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