Rent or buy?
If you plan to stay at least 5 years, have steady income, solid credit and cash for a down payment, buying often makes sense here.
- Median sale price, Boise
- $541,000 (Sept 2026)
- Average 2-bed apartment rent
- $1,850 a month (Sept 2026)
Renting
A typical 2-bedroom apartment in Boise rents for about $1,850 a month (Sept 2026).
- Typical rent
- About $1,620 (1-bed) and $1,850 (2-bed) apartment average, Sept 2026
- Deposit returned
- Within 21 days (up to 30 if the lease says so)
Buying a home
A typical home in the Boise metro is worth about $492,000 (Zillow, Sept 2026), from about $400,000 in Caldwell to $785,000 in Eagle.
- Typical home value
- About $492,000, Boise metro (Sept 2026)
- Median sale price, Boise city
- $540,742, up 2.4% in a year (Sept 2026)
Property taxes
If the home is your primary residence, apply for the homeowner's exemption with your county assessor as soon as you move in.
- Homeowner's exemption
- 50% of home value, up to $125,000
- Apply by
- Dec. 31 for full credit this year (no proration from 2026)
Utilities & internet
Idaho Power (electric, (208) 388-2323) and Intermountain Gas ((208) 377-6840) serve the whole valley.
- Electric
- Idaho Power, (208) 388-2323; start online
- Natural gas
- Intermountain Gas, (208) 377-6840 in the Treasure Valley
Rental scams
Fake rentals are common in the Treasure Valley: scammers copy real listings, price them low and ask for a deposit by Zelle, Venmo, wire or gift card.
- Biggest red flag
- Rent far below market and the 'owner' cannot show you the home
- Check the owner
- Ada or Canyon County assessor parcel search (free)
Senior & 55+ living
Most of the valley's 55+ neighborhoods are in Meridian, with new-construction options in Kuna (Trilogy Valor) and Star (Regency at Milestone Ranch).
- Where most 55+ communities are
- Meridian
- Free senior help line
- Area 3 Senior Services Agency, (208) 898-7060 or 1-844-850-2883