Average Rent in Idaho 2026 — 1BR & 2BR Prices

Quick answer

A single adult in Idaho typically needs about $3,146/month, with rent of $1,250 (1BR) as the largest single expense. A family with kids runs closer to $5,425/mo.

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Total / month
$3,146
Rent (1BR)
$1,250
Rent (2BR)
$1,500
Cost index
99
What this means in real life

In Idaho, the swing factor is rent. Boise pulls the averages up; smaller cities like Meridian often run 15–30% cheaper. Groceries, utilities, and transport are far more predictable — what changes a budget most is the apartment.

Cheap vs expensive areas in Idaho

Most expensive
Boise

Prime neighborhoods push 1BR rent to around $1,688/mo. Premium grocery prices, paid parking, and higher dining costs all compound.

More affordable
Meridian

Smaller cities and suburbs typically run a 1BR around $938/mo — 25–40% below the metro centre, with cheaper groceries and shorter commutes.

Cost breakdown — at a glance

Housing (rent + insurance)
$1,250
40% of budget
Transportation
$475
15% of budget
Groceries
$416
13% of budget
Utilities & internet
$193
6% of budget
Healthcare
$317
10% of budget
Entertainment & dining
$218
7% of budget
Misc & personal
$277
9% of budget

Monthly budget by household

Typical totals in Idaho for a single adult, a couple, and a family with kids.

Single adult
$3,146/mo

1-bedroom, modest urban lifestyle.

Couple, no kids
$4,360/mo

2-bedroom, shared groceries and transport.

Family (2 adults + kids)
$5,425/mo

2-bedroom, childcare, more food and healthcare.

Monthly budget — full table

Housing (rent + insurance)
$1,250
40%
Transportation
$475
15%
Groceries
$416
13%
Utilities & internet
$193
6%
Healthcare
$317
10%
Entertainment & dining
$218
7%
Misc & personal
$277
9%

Visual breakdown

Housing (rent + insurance)$1,250
Transportation$475
Groceries$416
Utilities & internet$193
Healthcare$317
Entertainment & dining$218
Misc & personal$277
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Salary needed to live here

Rule of thumb: you want take-home pay of at least $3,775/mo to live comfortably — roughly $60,000/year gross.

Compare with neighbors

Common questions

These estimates are approximate and may vary by city, taxes, rent, family size, and personal spending. Use them as a starting point, not a substitute for personalised financial or tax advice.