Plan your move
Timeline, budget, weather and the Idaho rules that surprise newcomers.
Moving logistics
Start about 8 weeks before moving day: pick where you'll live, decide rent or buy, get at least 3 written mover quotes, forward your mail about 2 weeks ahead and line up utilities so they're on when you arrive.
- Start
- About 8 weeks before moving day
- Mover quotes
- At least 3, in writing
Cost of living
Overall prices in the Boise metro are close to the U.S.
- Overall prices
- 98.4 (U.S. = 100), 2024
- Median home sale price
- About $541,000 in Boise; $575,000 Ada County, $444,000 Canyon County (Sept 2026)
Weather & seasons
Boise has a high-desert climate with four distinct seasons.
- July average high
- 92.7°F (low 61.9°F)
- January average high
- 38.8°F (low 25.5°F)
Spring in the Treasure Valley
Spring brings irrigation water, snowmelt and a late last frost.
- Canals fill
- Early April; about two weeks to reach customers (NMID, 2026)
- Last frost
- The frost-free season runs about early May to mid-October
Summer in the Treasure Valley
Summers in the valley are hot and dry: July highs average about 93°F, with about 55 days a year at 90°F or hotter and about 9 at 100°F or hotter.
- July
- Average high 92.7°F, low 61.9°F
- Hot days
- About 55 days a year at 90°F or hotter; about 9 at 100°F or hotter
Fall in the Treasure Valley
Fall is the valley's most comfortable season, with its own chores: leaves, shutting off outdoor water and getting ready for winter.
- Burn permits
- Required outside city limits through Oct. 20
- First frost
- The frost-free season ends around mid-October
Winter in the Treasure Valley
Winter in the valley is cold but usually mild by mountain standards: January highs average about 39°F and the airport gets about 17.6 inches of snow in an average year.
- Snowfall
- About 17.6 inches a year at Boise Airport; much more in the mountains
- January
- Average high 38.8°F, low 25.5°F
Pets
Every city in Ada County requires dogs to have and wear a license, and Nampa and Caldwell sell licenses too.
- Boise license
- $19.75 a year for a spayed or neutered dog; $42.25 unaltered
- Rabies (Boise)
- Within 30 days of moving in, for dogs and cats 4 months and older
Military moves
Mountain Home Air Force Base is about 50 miles southeast of Boise, and Gowen Field in Boise is home to the Idaho Air National Guard.
- Mountain Home AFB
- About 50 miles southeast of Boise; 366th Fighter Wing
- Boise VA Medical Center
- 500 W Fort St, Boise; (208) 422-1000; 24/7 ER