Cost of Living in Boise, ID - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,065 (excluding rent), and $2,613 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,575 (excluding rent), and $4,650 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$20.01 $20.01

$16.01 $16.01

$25.02 $25.02

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$65.4 $65.4

$60.4 $60.4

$121 $121

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.80 $10.80

$9.71 $9.71

$13.75 $13.75

Cappuccino

$6.28 $6.28

$4.92 $4.92

$8.06 $8.06

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.57 $2.57

$1.48 $1.48

$4.05 $4.05

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.27 $2.27

$1.52 $1.52

$3.49 $3.49

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.95 $6.95

$2.98 $2.98

$7.95 $7.95

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.17 $7.17

$5.63 $5.63

$9.07 $9.07

Milk (1 liter)

$0.92 $0.92

$0.73 $0.73

$1.10 $1.10

White Bread (500g)

$3.53 $3.53

$2.21 $2.21

$5.54 $5.54

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.35 $5.35

$2.82 $2.82

$9.01 $9.01

Eggs

$3.98 $3.98

$2.05 $2.05

$6.67 $6.67

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.95 $12.95

$8.88 $8.88

$22.17 $22.17

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.64 $8.64

$5.50 $5.50

$11.00 $11.00

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.21 $13.21

$7.71 $7.71

$26.41 $26.41

Apples (1kg)

$4.90 $4.90

$1.74 $1.74

$6.53 $6.53

Banana (1kg)

$1.59 $1.59

$1.26 $1.26

$4.29 $4.29

Oranges (1kg)

$3.60 $3.60

$1.92 $1.92

$6.41 $6.41

Tomato (1kg)

$4.82 $4.82

$2.19 $2.19

$6.58 $6.58

Potato (1kg)

$2.43 $2.43

$0.88 $0.88

$6.58 $6.58

Onion (1kg)

$2.19 $2.19

$1.09 $1.09

$3.49 $3.49

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.98 $1.98

$1.52 $1.52

$2.53 $2.53

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.11 $2.11

$1.49 $1.49

$3.48 $3.48

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$8.60 $8.60

$7.08 $7.08

$9.62 $9.62

Wine (Bottle)

$15.74 $15.74

$12.22 $12.22

$24.44 $24.44

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.79 $1.79

$1.71 $1.71

$2.11 $2.11

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.51 $2.51

$1.76 $1.76

$6.86 $6.86

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.51 $1.51

$2.52 $2.52

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$42.74 $42.74

$61.1 $61.1

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.56 $2.56

$4.03 $4.03

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.46 $1.46

$1.45 $1.45

$1.46 $1.46

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$23.95 $23.95

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.97 $0.97

$0.81 $0.81

$1.07 $1.07

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$33.1K $33.1K

$24.7K $24.7K

$35.3K $35.3K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.4K $25.4K

$24.9K $24.9K

$26.1K $26.1K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$134 $134

$98.6 $98.6

$197 $197

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$49.99 $49.99

$30.13 $30.13

$75.3 $75.3

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$72.9 $72.9

$55.6 $55.6

$91.0 $91.0

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$40.22 $40.22

$30.29 $30.29

$45.44 $45.44

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$37.28 $37.28

Cinema Ticket

$12.43 $12.43

$11.94 $11.94

$14.92 $14.92

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,224 $1,224

$790 $790

$1,440 $1,440

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.5K $23.5K

$20.5K $20.5K

$24.3K $24.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$57.9 $57.9

$38.25 $38.25

$78.0 $78.0

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$34.67 $34.67

$25.49 $25.49

$56.1 $56.1

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$90.1 $90.1

$60.5 $60.5

$202 $202

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$97.6 $97.6

$73.8 $73.8

$123 $123

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,603 $1,603

$1,523 $1,523

$2,031 $2,031

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,366 $1,366

$1,196 $1,196

$1,745 $1,745

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,484 $2,484

$2,309 $2,309

$2,911 $2,911

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,961 $1,961

$1,671 $1,671

$2,655 $2,655

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$7,306 $7,306

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,054 $3,054

$3,038 $3,038

$3,142 $3,142

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,300 $4,300

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.58

6.19

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: March 2, 2026

Boise, ID Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Boise, ID - Frequently Asked Questions

Boise offers a balanced choice for travelers, expats, and digital nomads exploring the American Northwest. In general, you’ll find housing and everyday costs more affordable than many coastal hubs, with room to enjoy outdoor activities and a growing food scene. Value shows up in walkable neighborhoods, reliable internet, and short commutes to parks and coworking spaces. Expect variation by area: central districts may carry a premium, while farther edges often deliver more breathing room for the same budget. Overall, it’s a friendly mix of convenience and affordability that suits a range of work-style needs. Cost of Living in Boise, ID, United States. Tip: Start with a short-term stay in a few neighborhoods to feel the vibe before committing.

Daily life in Boise blends practical budgeting with a lively local scene. For housing, start with core neighborhoods like North End, East Boise, or the Bench, then expand outward for value in quieter streets or townhomes. Food options range from farmers markets and casual cafés to affordable lunch spots, with groceries to stretch meals. Transport is workable but car-optional; bike lanes are solid, buses cover key routes, and ride-shares fill gaps. Co-working spaces cluster downtown and around university pockets, making drop-in work feasible. Boise, ID, United States living cost. Tip: Test a week of routines – commute times, grocery runs, and cafe costs – to calibrate your budget.

Quality of life in Boise hinges on balance, pace, and access to outdoor and cultural options. Use a simple budgeting framework: lock a core monthly spend, then set aside a buffer for surprises and seasonal shifts. Saving tips include cooking at home, choosing energy-efficient housing, and taking advantage of free or low-cost city events in summer and fall. Seasonality matters; summers are lively and outdoor-friendly, winters bring a cozy indoor scene and different transit needs. Neighborhood fit matters – North End for walkability, Southeast Boise for family-friendly streets, and downtown for quick access to coworking and nightlife. Tip: Build a flexible plan that lets you switch neighborhoods as you settle.