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City Report · ID

Boise

Pop. 237,242·9th most expensive in Idaho·Boise rents are up 10.8% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,857/mo
Year-over-Year
+10.8%
Month-over-Month
+2.7%
vs US Median
-$105
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Boise · $1,857
More expensive than 50% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
65/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 8% below what Boise's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,857/mo
Expected by trend
$2,011/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Boise's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,364
1 BR
$1,611
2 BR
$1,930
3 BR
$2,705
4 BR+
$3,235
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,930/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,857 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$22,284/yr
At $1,857/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 10.8% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+10.8% YoY, +2.7% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Boise, ID is majority owner-occupied, 47.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
237,242
Median age
38.6
Renters
36.8%
Age distribution
18.5%
26.1%
26.7%
12.5%
16.2%
Under 1818.5%
18–3426.1%
35–5426.7%
55–6412.5%
65+16.2%
Gender
49.9%
50.1%
Male49.9%
Female50.1%
Race & ethnicity
81.8%
White81.8%
Black1.7%
Hispanic9.6%
Asian3.7%
Other3.4%
Education (25+)
19.5%
28%
47.5%
No HS diploma5.1%
HS diploma19.5%
Some college28%
Bachelor's+47.5%
Housing tenure
63.2%
36.8%
Owner63.2%
Renter36.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Boise, ID has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,433 → $1,857
up 29.6%
Population
226,115 → 237,242
up 4.9%
Renter share
39.1% → 36.8%
-2.3 pts
Bachelor's+
41.6% → 47.5%
+5.9 pts
Median age
36.6 → 38.6
+2.0 yrs

The median rent in Boise, ID stood at $1,433 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,857, reflecting a 29.6% increase over the period. The population has grown by 4.9% since 2019, moving from about 226,115 residents to roughly 237,242. Renters now make up 36.8% of households, compared with 39.1% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 47.5% of adults here, versus 41.6% in 2019. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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View Boise rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Boise on your salary?

At $1,857/mo, how Boise rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Boise rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Boise. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Boise

About renting in Boise, ID

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Boise is $1,857/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,364/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,930/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,611/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,705/mo.

At 31% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Boise ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 10.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Boise an affordable city for renters?

Boise is considered moderate for renters. At $1,857/mo, rent takes approximately 31% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Boise slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Boise?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $74,000/year (~$36/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,857/mo in Boise.

Is rent going up or down in Boise?

Rent in Boise has increased 10.8% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Boise neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Boise are 83705 ($1,578/mo), 83704 ($1,615/mo), and 83712 ($1,751/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Boise is $1,857/mo.

How does Boise rent compare to other cities in Idaho?

Boise is middle-of-the-pack for Idaho for rent, ranking #9 out of 24 tracked cities at $1,857/mo.

What percentage of Boise residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 36.8% of Boise households are renters, while 63.2% are owner-occupied. Boise leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Boise rent compare to the national average?

Boise's median rent of $1,857/mo is $105 (5%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Idaho, it ranks #9 out of 24 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
31%
MODERATE

At $1,857/mo, rent takes ~31% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Boise 31%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5.8%
Run the Boise affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Boise, ID

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