Housing, taxes and pay compared with the Denver area
By J&H Digital Services LLCChecked Nov 1, 20266 sources
Housing costs in the Denver and Boise metros are closer than most movers expect. A typical home is about $555,000 in the Denver metro against $492,000 in the Boise metro, and a typical rent is $1,900 against $1,924. Your income tax would rise from Colorado's flat 4.4% to Idaho's flat 5.3%, the minimum wage falls from $15.16 to $7.25, and the average combined sales tax is lower (6.03% against 7.89%).
| Metro | Typical home value | Typical rent (all rentals) | Median household income, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise, ID | $492,000 | $1,924 | $92,877 |
| Denver, CO | $555,000 | $1,900 | $107,733 |
Metro areas. Home values: Zillow ZHVI, Sept 2026. Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, all rentals, Sept 2026. Income: median household income, U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2025 1-year estimate, which is a different measure from your own pay. Source: Zillow Research: Home values and rents, U.S. Census Bureau: ACS 2025 1-year, median household income (B19013)
| Topic | Colorado | Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax | 4.4% flat | 5.3% flat; Social Security is not taxed |
| Sales tax (average combined) | 7.89% | 6.03%; groceries are taxed, with a $155 food tax credit per person |
| Minimum wage, 2026 | $15.16 statewide | $7.25, the federal rate |
Tax rates are top state rates as of Jan. 1, 2026 and average combined sales tax rates for midyear 2026 (Tax Foundation); local income taxes are not included. Minimum wages are state rates (U.S. Department of Labor, updated July 1, 2026). Source: Tax Foundation: State income tax rates, 2026, Tax Foundation: State and local sales tax rates, midyear 2026, U.S. Department of Labor: State minimum wage laws
Idaho taxes all your income at 5.3% once you live here, up from Colorado's flat 4.4%. Ask your employer to update your withholding, or make estimated payments.
Take your Colorado title and ID to the sheriff's license office and the county assessor's motor vehicle office.
File Form 43 for your move year, due April 15, and a part-year Colorado return for the income you earned there.
Register to vote in Idaho and switch your car and home insurance to Idaho policies.
Housing costs are close. A typical home is about $555,000 in Denver against $492,000 in the Boise metro, and typical rent is $1,900 against $1,924 (Zillow, Sept 2026). Median household income in 2025 was $107,733 in the Denver metro against $92,877 in the Boise metro (Census ACS), so compare your expected pay before you count the savings.
Probably more income tax and less sales tax. Idaho's flat 5.3% is above Colorado's flat 4.4%, but Idaho's average combined sales tax is lower (6.03% against 7.89%), and Idaho gives each resident a $155 food tax credit. The net effect depends on how much you earn and spend, so run your own numbers.
Within 30 days, get an Idaho driver's license at a sheriff's license office and register your vehicles at the county assessor's motor vehicle office. Then register to vote, switch your car and home insurance to Idaho policies, and file an Idaho part-year return (Form 43, due April 15).
Fees, rules and providers change. Confirm with the official source before you go.
Spotted a mistake? Report an error →
Trusted locals
Movers, agents and home services across the Treasure Valley, each checked before they're listed. Sponsored listings are always labeled.
Founding partner spots are open to vetted local businesses. Every listing is screened for license, insurance and reviews, and paid placement is always labeled “Sponsored.”