Average Rent in Boise 2026
The average rent in Boise, ID is $1,300 for a 1-bedroom, $1,600 for a 2-bedroom, and $2,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Boise is 6% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $52,000.
Boise Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,300
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,600
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,000
per month
Cost of Living in Boise
106
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Boise's cost of living index is 106, which is 6% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Boise at a Glance
Population
240K
Median Income
$62,516
COL Index
106
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Boise?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Boise by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$1,300/mo rent
$52,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$1,600/mo rent
$64,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$2,000/mo rent
$80,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Boise
Save $500/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,300
per month
Split 2BR
$800
per person/month
Annual Savings
$6,000
per year
Instead of paying $1,300 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,600) with one roommate brings your share to $800. That is $6,000 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in Boise
Boise, ID does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
Rent Calculators for Boise Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Boise rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Boise
Is Boise expensive to rent in?
Boise rents climbed sharply during the pandemic migration boom and remain above the national average. A 1-bedroom averages $1,300 per month in 2026. The North End and Downtown are premium areas, while Meridian and Nampa offer more affordable suburban options.
How much income do you need to rent in Boise?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $4,333 per month ($52,000 annually) to afford an average $1,300/month 1-bedroom apartment in Boise.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Boise?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,600/month) with one roommate brings your share to $800, saving $500 per month or $6,000 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
Planning to rent in Boise?