Moving to Boise, ID

Thinking about moving to Boise, ID? Here's the practical picture: the cost of living runs at an index of 103 (100 is the national average), a typical two-bedroom rents for about $1,600/month, summers average 64°F, and Idaho has a top income tax rate of 5.8%. Below: cost of living, climate, utilities, the best time to move, and popular routes into Boise.

Cost of living
103
Typical 2BR rent
$1,600/mo
Avg summer high
64°F
Avg winter low
41°F

Cost of living in Boise

Boise's cost-of-living index is 103 against a national baseline of 100, and a two-bedroom rental averages roughly $1,600 per month. Idaho levies a top income tax rate of 5.8% and an average combined sales tax of 6.03%. Build your first-year budget around these figures, not just the cost of the move.

Climate and best time to move

Expect average summer highs near 64°F, winter lows around 41°F, and about 11.7 inches of precipitation a year in Boise. Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher. Weather is moderate most of the year; any off-peak month works well.

Setting up utilities in Boise

Line up your utilities before move day. In the Boise City area that typically means Idaho Power, Intermountain Gas, United Water Idaho. Schedule electricity and gas to turn on the day before you arrive so you never walk into a dark home.

Popular routes to Boise

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Frequently asked questions

Is Boise expensive to live in?
Boise has a cost-of-living index of 103 (100 = US average), with typical 2BR rent around $1,600/month.
What's the weather like in Boise?
Summer highs average 64°F, winter lows about 41°F, with roughly 11.7 inches of annual precipitation.
When is the best time to move to Boise?
Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher.

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Sources

  • MERIC / BestPlaces metro cost index, 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • Zillow Observed Rent Index (metro), 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • Tax Foundation, 2025 State Tax Data — retrieved 2026-01-15