Idaho
West · Capital: Boise · Wide-open West with a booming, affordable capital.
Population
1.9M
Median Home
$445K
Median Rent
$1,400/mo
Avg Salary
$55,000
Income Tax
5.8%
Cost of Living
Why people move to Idaho
Idaho has been one of the fastest-growing states in the country, with Boise emerging as a surprise magnet for remote workers, families, and entrepreneurs fleeing pricier West Coast cities. The Treasure Valley pairs a walkable, culturally lively capital with quick access to mountains, rivers, and world-class outdoor recreation.
Rapid growth has pushed home prices up sharply from their once-modest levels, and wildfire smoke can blanket summers. But with relatively low taxes, a tight-knit community feel, and stunning scenery, Idaho continues to attract newcomers seeking the outdoor lifestyle.
Region
West
Capital
Boise
Homeownership
71%
Unemployment
3.2%
Top cities
Boise
Population 237K
Vibrant, fast-growing capital with a tech scene.
Meridian
Population 134K
Family-friendly suburb, one of the state's fastest-growing.
Nampa
Population 116K
More affordable Treasure Valley community.
Idaho Falls
Population 67K
Eastern hub near national labs and Yellowstone.
Coeur d'Alene
Population 56K
Scenic resort town on a namesake lake.
Twin Falls
Population 53K
Agricultural center by the Snake River canyon.
Cost of living breakdown
Indexed to the U.S. national average (100). Idaho's overall cost index is 98 — a moderate cost state.
Housing
Median Home
$445K
Median Rent
$1,400/mo
Property Tax
0.67%
Homeowners
71%
| City | Cost level | Est. rent (1BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Boise | Moderate cost | $1,400/mo |
| Meridian | Moderate cost | $1,400/mo |
| Nampa | Low cost | $1,125/mo |
| Idaho Falls | Low cost | $1,125/mo |
| Coeur d'Alene | High cost | $1,750/mo |
About 71% of residents own their homes. Effective property tax runs near 0.67% of assessed value — budget this into any purchase.
Housing assistance in Idaho
Explore Idaho vouchers, affordable apartments, down-payment help, rental & utility assistance, senior, veteran, and disability housing — with eligibility and how to apply.
Jobs & economy
Top industries
Major employers
- Micron Technology
- St. Luke's Health System
- Idaho National Laboratory
- Simplot
Unemployment
3.2%
Remote-friendly
High
Illustrative salaries by sector
Schools & education
K–12 & top districts
Idaho public schools serve families across urban and suburban districts. Sought-after systems cluster around its largest metros — including Boise area schools, Meridian area schools, Nampa area schools.
Universities & colleges
- Boise State University
- University of Idaho
- Idaho State University
Healthcare
Major hospitals & systems
- St. Luke's Boise Medical Center
- Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center
Access & insurance landscape
Care access is strongest in and around Boise. Most residents use employer or marketplace (ACA) plans; rural areas can mean longer drives to specialist care, so factor network coverage into where you settle.
Transportation & getting around
Walk score
36/100
Transit
Car-dependent statewide, with limited bus service in the Boise metro.
I-5, I-15, and I-80 stitch together sprawling western distances. Average one-way commute is about 20 minutes; walkability scores near 36/100 statewide, higher in the largest cities.
Airports & hubs
Boise
Regional gateway
Weather & natural disaster risk
Semi-arid with four seasons — hot dry summers and snowy mountain winters.
Taxes
State income tax
5.8%
State sales tax
6%
Property tax
0.67%
State income tax: 5.8%. Statewide sales tax is 6% (local add-ons may apply), and effective property tax averages 0.67% of home value.
Driver license & vehicle registration
New-resident timeline
30 days to register, 90 days for license.
Bring proof of identity, residency, and vehicle title. Expect a vision test and title transfer fees; a REAL ID upgrade needs extra documents.
Emissions testing
Required (some counties)
Typical license fee
$55–$110
Business registration & climate
LLC filing fee
$100
Corp income tax
Standard
Startup climate
Growing
Best for founders
Yes
Form an LLC through the Secretary of State's online portal for around $100. Startup resources include the Boise Small Business Development Center, local SCORE chapters, and university programs at Boise State University.
Commercial space & coworking
Office and retail leasing is most active in Boise and Meridian. Rates track the state's moderate cost profile — expect a premium downtown and value in suburban submarkets.
Vendor & pop-up events
Boise Music Festival
The state's biggest annual outdoor concert event.
Treefort Music Fest
Indie multi-venue festival that takes over downtown Boise.
Churches & community resources
Faith communities
A significant LDS population in the east and south, alongside evangelical and Catholic communities.
Getting connected
Community centers, libraries, and newcomer meetups in Boise and Meridian are great first stops to build a network.
Diverse communities
Growing Latino community tied to agriculture, plus a notable Basque cultural presence in Boise.
The honest take on Idaho
Pros
- Booming, family-friendly economy in Boise
- Abundant outdoor recreation
- Relatively low taxes
Cons
- Rapidly rising home prices
- Wildfire smoke in summer
- Limited public transit
Create my move plan for Idaho
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