North America Updated
Average Cost of Living in Boise
The average cost of living in Boise, United States is $1,897 per month for a single person, and $3,631 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,558 per month. The local average net salary is $4,238 per month.
Affordable
Updated today
Index 43.1 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,897 / month
- Family of 4
- $3,631 / mo
- Student
- $1,099 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Boise
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$4,238.37 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Boise | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Boise | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Boise | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Boise | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Boise | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Boise | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Boise | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Boise | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Boise | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Boise | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Boise FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Boise. |
Rent & Property Prices in Boise
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,558 | $1,350 – $2,000 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,285 | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,330 | $2,170 – $3,000 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,914 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $7,300 | $7,300 – $7,300 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $3,066 | $3,050 – $3,154 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,558$1,350 – $2,000
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,285$1,200 – $1,500
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,330$2,170 – $3,000
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,914$1,500 – $2,500
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $7,300$7,300 – $7,300
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $3,066$3,050 – $3,154
Grocery Prices in Boise
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $0.95 | $0.71 – $1.13 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $3.61 | $2.76 – $4.41 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $6.06 | $4.77 – $7.72 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $4.83 | $2.50 – $6.99 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $14 | $11 – $22 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $11 | $6.59 – $13 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $17 | $15 – $20 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $5.29 | $1.76 – $6.59 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.79 | $1.30 – $4.41 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $3.98 | $1.76 – $4.65 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $4.68 | $2.20 – $5.49 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $2.85 | $0.88 – $4.39 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $2.73 | $2.20 – $3.19 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.25 | $1.99 – $2.50 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $2.48 | $2.00 – $3.50 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $16 | $12 – $24 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.08 | $1.07 – $2.14 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.26 | $2.00 – $3.76 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $9.25 | $8.65 – $10 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $0.95$0.71 – $1.13
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $3.61$2.76 – $4.41
- White Rice (1 kg) $6.06$4.77 – $7.72
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $4.83$2.50 – $6.99
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $14$11 – $22
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $11$6.59 – $13
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $17$15 – $20
- Apples (1 kg) $5.29$1.76 – $6.59
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.79$1.30 – $4.41
- Oranges (1 kg) $3.98$1.76 – $4.65
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $4.68$2.20 – $5.49
- Potatoes (1 kg) $2.85$0.88 – $4.39
- Onions (1 kg) $2.73$2.20 – $3.19
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.25$1.99 – $2.50
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $2.48$2.00 – $3.50
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $16$12 – $24
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.08$1.07 – $2.14
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.26$2.00 – $3.76
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $9.25$8.65 – $10
Public Transport & Car Costs in Boise
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $1.50 | $1.50 – $2.50 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $42 | $42 – $50 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $2.60 | $2.60 – $4.10 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.50 | $1.49 – $1.50 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $24 | $24 – $24 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $0.96 | $0.80 – $1.17 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $34,996 | $33,650 – $36,341 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $25,537 | $25,000 – $25,769 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $1.50$1.50 – $2.50
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $42$42 – $50
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $2.60$2.60 – $4.10
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.50$1.49 – $1.50
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $24$24 – $24
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $0.96$0.80 – $1.17
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $34,996$33,650 – $36,341
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $25,537$25,000 – $25,769
Utility & Internet Costs in Boise
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $174 | $100 – $219 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $60 | $35 – $63 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $71 | $50 – $80 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $174$100 – $219
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $60$35 – $63
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $71$50 – $80
Childcare & Preschool in Boise
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $973 | $800 – $1,391 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $24,000 | $24,000 – $24,000 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $973$800 – $1,391
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $24,000$24,000 – $24,000
Clothing Prices in Boise
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $54 | $45 – $59 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $41 | $25 – $44 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $89 | $75 – $100 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $109 | $60 – $150 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $54$45 – $59
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $41$25 – $44
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $89$75 – $100
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $109$60 – $150
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Boise
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $39 | $30 – $45 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $38 | $38 – $38 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $13 | $12 – $14 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $39$30 – $45
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $38$38 – $38
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $13$12 – $14
Restaurant Prices in Boise
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $20 | $12 – $25 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $70 | $60 – $120 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $14 | $12 – $15 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $6.50 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $6.50 | $6.00 – $7.00 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $6.05 | $3.50 – $7.25 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.64 | $2.00 – $3.50 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.00 | $1.50 – $3.00 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $20$12 – $25
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $70$60 – $120
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $14$12 – $15
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $6.50$4.00 – $7.00
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $6.50$6.00 – $7.00
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $6.05$3.50 – $7.25
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.64$2.00 – $3.50
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $2.00$1.50 – $3.00
Salaries & Mortgages in Boise
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,238 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 6.08% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $4,238
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 6.08%
Compare Boise with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
United States
Buffalo
Monthly / 1 person
$1,896
vs NYC
43.1/100
United States
Knoxville
Monthly / 1 person
$1,895
vs NYC
43.1/100
United States
Fort-Collins
Monthly / 1 person
$1,891
vs NYC
43/100
United States
Minneapolis
Monthly / 1 person
$1,889
vs NYC
42.9/100
United States
Raleigh
Monthly / 1 person
$1,912
vs NYC
43.5/100
United States
Eugene
Monthly / 1 person
$1,918
vs NYC
43.6/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Boise?
- An estimated $1,897 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Boise. A family of four needs around $3,631 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,099.
- How much money do I need to live in Boise?
- Plan for at least $1,897 per month as a single person, $3,631 per month for a family of four, or $1,099 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Boise.
- What is the average rent in Boise?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Boise rents for around $1,558 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $2,330 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Boise?
- The average monthly net salary in Boise is around $4,238. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 37% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Boise?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Boise costs around $20. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $96 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($0.95/L) and bread ($3.61/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Boise?
- A monthly public transport pass in Boise costs around $42. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Boise?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Boise costs around $71 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.