Boise continues to shine as one of the top relocation destinations in the U.S. With its four-season outdoor culture, a relaxed and friendly lifestyle, and overall affordability compared with West Coast states, more families and professionals are choosing the Boise Metro area as their next home.
If you’re considering a move to Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell, Star, or Emmett, here’s what the true cost of living in 2025 looks like, which includes the most recent local housing data.
Housing Costs in Boise & the Treasure Valley (2025 Update)
Housing is typically the biggest part of your cost of living, and Boise’s market in 2025 is stable, competitive, and offering more choices thanks to increased inventory.
Ada County (Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Kuna, Star)
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Median sales price (Oct 2025): $549,900 — essentially unchanged year-over-year, signaling a stable market.
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Days on Market: 47 days, up slightly from last year — giving buyers a bit more breathing room.
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Inventory: 2,125 homes, up 25.5% from last year, meaning more selection for relocating buyers.
Canyon County (Nampa, Caldwell, Middleton)
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Median sales price (Oct 2025): $425,000, up 2.4% year-over-year.
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Days on Market: 50 days, showing a consistent, healthy pace of sales.
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Inventory: 1,189 homes, slightly higher than last year, adding more buying opportunities.
New Construction Trends (2025)
New construction is giving relocating buyers even more to choose from:
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Ada County new construction median price: $565,990
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Canyon County new construction median price: $467,945
Both counties have seen inventory growth of 30–36%, making new-builds far more accessible than in previous years.
What This Means for You
Boise’s 2025 housing market offers:
✔ More inventory
✔ Stable prices
✔ Balanced competition
✔ Strong selection in West Boise, Southeast Boise, East Boise, South Meridian, and North Nampa
If you’re considering buying, now is an excellent time to access a wider range of homes.
Click here to explore active listings across Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Nampa, and Caldwell.
Renting in Boise (2025)
Rental inventory remains limited due to strong demand, but new apartments in Meridian, Boise Bench, and Nampa are helping meet the needs of relocating renters.
Average Rents in 2025
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Boise overall average rent: ~$1,977/month
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Apartment List median rent: ~$1,229/month
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Redfin rental average: ~$1,582/month
Expect competition for single-family homes and centrally located rentals, especially near downtown Boise, Harris Ranch, and West Boise.
Utility Costs in Boise (2025)
Utility costs continue to fall below or near national averages, which helps offset slightly higher housing costs.
Average monthly utilities in the Boise area:
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Electricity: ~$108/month
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Natural Gas: ~$53
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Water: ~$49 (Veolia)
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Internet: ~$53 (CenturyLink, Sparklight, AT&T Wireless, Ting, etc.)
Total Estimated Monthly Utilities: ~$297/month
In outlying areas like Star, Middleton, Nampa, and parts of Caldwell, private wells and septic systems can reduce water/sewer expenses.
Child Care Costs in Boise (2025)
For families relocating to Boise, childcare remains one of the higher monthly expenses; however, most residents find it is still below the cost of care in states like California, Oregon, and Washington.
Average annual costs:
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Daycare (center-based): ~$6,900
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In-home daycare: ~$6,284
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Preschool: $5,800–$6,400
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Private school (Idaho average): ~$8,272/year
Boise continues to offer strong public, charter, and magnet school options, making it easier for families to manage educational costs.
Fuel Costs & Transportation
Boise’s fuel prices remain lower than the national average and far below the West Coast.
Early 2025 ranges:
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Low: $2.99
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High: $3.39
Couple that with average commute times of 20–30 minutes, and transportation costs stay significantly lower than in major metro areas.
Lifestyle & Recreation Costs in Boise
This is where Boise shines. Outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, cyclists, runners, and families get a tremendous lifestyle without the price tag of larger cities.
Low- or no-cost activities:
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The Boise River Greenbelt
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Cliffside hiking & biking trails
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Bogus Basin skiing & tubing
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Local parks, splash pads, playgrounds
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Free downtown festivals
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Treasure Valley hiking, fishing & camping
Compared to Washington, California, Oregon, and Colorado, Idaho offers noticeably lower day-to-day living expenses.
Is Moving to Boise Still Worth It in 2025?
Absolutely — especially if you’re relocating from higher-cost states. Boise continues to offer:
✔ Stable housing prices
✔ Growing inventory & new construction
✔ Shorter commutes
✔ A thriving job market
✔ Exceptional outdoor access
✔ A warm, community-centered lifestyle
And its cost of living remains significantly more affordable than major West Coast metros.
Need Relocation Guidance? I’m Here to Help.
Whether you’re moving to Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Star, or Caldwell, I specialize in relocation to Idaho and can break down costs by neighborhood, school district, or commute pattern.
I’ve helped numerous families and individuals move to the Treasure Valley, and I’d love to guide you, too.
Click here to schedule your Boise Relocation Consultation or explore homes across the valley.
