Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Boise, ID?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 36.3% of gross income.
Boise rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Idaho state estimate).
About rent and a plumber salary
Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Idaho cities have lower median rent than Boise, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Boise
View full rent data for Boise, ID →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Boise, ID?
Median rent in Boise is $1,808 a month. A typical plumber in Idaho earns about $59,719 a year, which makes that rent 36.3% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a plumber afford in Boise?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Idaho (~$59,719/yr) supports up to $1,493 a month in rent. Boise's current median rent is $1,808/mo, which is $315/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Boise?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a plumber in Idaho works roughly 63 hours a month to cover Boise's median rent of $1,808.
Where is rent cheaper than Boise for a plumber?
Nearby Idaho cities with lower median rent include Coeur d'Alene ($1,807/mo), Rathdrum ($1,791/mo), Rathdrum ($1,787/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a plumber salary.