Moving to Boise: What to Expect in Idaho’s Capital City

Boise has become one of the most talked-about cities in the Mountain West. People are drawn here for a mix of affordability, outdoor recreation, and a growing job market. If you are thinking about moving to Boise Idaho, it helps to understand what life is like here, how the housing market is shifting, and why storage can be an essential part of your move.

Boise’s cost of living remains moderate compared to larger metro areas, even as the city grows. According to PayScale, the overall cost of living is about 2 percent higher than the U.S. average, but utilities are significantly cheaper, around 22 percent below average. Groceries run about 4 percent higher, while healthcare is slightly below national levels.

Renters can expect to pay around $1,100 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,278 for a two-bedroom, based on Apartment List’s data from early 2025. Homeowners face higher prices, with Zillow reporting average home values of about $496,000, reflecting years of growth and strong demand .

Compared to major West Coast cities, Boise still offers relative affordability. Utilities and healthcare help balance out slightly higher transportation and grocery costs. For many people moving to Boise, this balance of expenses is one of the city’s main attractions.

A City Experiencing Rapid Growth

The Boise metro has seen striking population growth over the last decade. Between 2014 and 2024, the area added more than 150,000 residents, a nearly 25 percent increase, bringing the total population to about 770,000.

Net migration remains a major driver of growth. From 2020 to 2024, around 72,000 people moved into the Boise area, pushing total population gains past 80,000 in just four years. The state as a whole is also booming. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated Idaho’s population passed two million in 2025 and will likely reach 2.4 million within a decade.

For anyone moving to Boise, this means more competition for housing. The city is still manageable and welcoming, but demand has pushed prices upward and created pressure on rentals and home inventory.

Housing Market in Boise

Housing in Boise reflects this population surge. Redfin data from mid-2025 shows a median sale price of about $515,000, up 2 percent year over year. Zillow’s average home value of $496,046 has risen 0.5 percent in the past year, with most homes selling within two weeks of listing.

Rents also continue to climb. Apartment List reports a 2.6 percent annual increase in Boise rental rates, keeping pace with high demand. Even with these increases, Boise remains more affordable than markets like Seattle, Portland, or Denver, which is why so many newcomers continue to relocate here.

Neighborhood choice makes a big difference. Downtown offers new high-rise apartments like The Arthur, a 26-story tower that opened in 2025, while areas like the Bench and West Boise provide more budget-friendly rentals. Families often target the North End or Southeast Boise for schools and community feel.

Lifestyle and Community

Boise stands out for the way it blends city amenities with outdoor access. The Boise River Greenbelt, which runs through town, offers miles of bike and walking paths. The foothills provide quick access to hiking and trail running, while Bogus Basin ski area is less than an hour’s drive for skiing and snowboarding.

Culturally, Boise has a thriving downtown filled with coffee shops, craft breweries, and restaurants. The Basque Block celebrates the city’s heritage, and the Morrison Center hosts concerts and theater. Boise State University adds to the vibrancy, with football at Albertsons Stadium and other campus events drawing the community together.

People moving to Boise Idaho often find the balance appealing: a growing job market with employers like Micron and St. Luke’s Health System, paired with a small-city feel where outdoor recreation is part of daily life.

How Storage Supports a Move to Boise

When relocating, it is not always possible to line up housing perfectly. Many people face a gap between selling a home and buying another or between ending one lease and beginning the next. Storage becomes a practical solution in these situations.

For those moving to Boise with outdoor gear, storage is especially valuable. Bikes, skis, kayaks, and camping gear are part of the lifestyle here, but they take up space. Apartments, especially downtown or near Boise State, may not have room for bulky equipment. A storage unit keeps these items secure and accessible without cluttering your living space.

Families relocating often bring more furniture than fits comfortably in their first Boise home. A storage unit makes it easier to downsize or adjust gradually. Even long-term residents use storage to rotate seasonal items or keep valuables safe while traveling.

STOR-N-LOCK Storage Locations in Boise

For convenient storage during your move, STOR-N-LOCK offers several Boise locations:

• West State Street: Ideal for residents in North and West Boise, with easy access to major roads.
• W. Opohonga Street: A central location near the Bench and Boise Towne Square Mall.
• Federal Way: Convenient for Southeast Boise and commuters coming in from I-84.

Each location offers secure, accessible storage options that can make moving to Boise smoother and less stressful.

Tips for a Successful Move

Start planning your housing search months in advance. With Boise’s growth, rentals and homes can move quickly. Compare neighborhoods carefully to find a balance of price, commute, and lifestyle.

Set aside a budget that accounts for slightly higher groceries and transportation but lower utilities and healthcare. This will give you a realistic picture of living costs.

Take advantage of storage as part of your transition plan. Having a flexible space to hold belongings can make the difference between a stressful move and a smooth one.

Moving to Boise Idaho is an opportunity to join a city that is both growing and welcoming. The cost of living remains manageable compared to larger metro areas, though housing prices are climbing. The lifestyle combines culture, outdoor recreation, and a sense of community that continues to draw new residents. By planning ahead and using storage wisely, your move can be simpler and more enjoyable. STOR-N-LOCK'S three Boise locations on West State Street, W. Opohonga Street, and Federal Way make it easy to stay organized as you settle into your new home.