Boise vs Idaho Falls for Singles (2026)
Scroll down for rent burden, savings estimate, and FAQ.
Single-person cost breakdown
| Metric | Boise Idaho | Idaho Falls Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,300 | $900Better |
| 1BR rent / month | $1,600 | $1,100Better |
| Est. single-person income | $37KBetter | $34K |
| Est. monthly take-home | $2,920Better | $2,638 |
| Studio rent burden | 45% | 34%Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 98 | 96Better |
| State income tax | 5.8%Better | 5.8% |
| Walk score | 28 / 100Better | 18 / 100 |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 105 | 87Better |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Renters insurance
Idaho Falls saves ~$400/mo on rent
Solo renters often skip insurance — but your electronics, furniture, and belongings add up fast.
Monthly savings
Idaho Falls: ~$1,190/mo left after rent & living
Start investing that surplus early — even small amounts compound significantly over a career.
While you're comparing — don't leave money on the table.
Mortgages
See what you can afford in Idaho Falls
Compare rates from top lenders before your move — pre-approval is free and won't affect your score.
Home & Auto Insurance
Bundle before you move — save 15–25%
New state means new rates. Lock in Idaho Falls homeowners + auto quotes before your move date.
Moving Rewards Card
Turn closing costs & moving expenses into cash back
Average family spends $6,200 on a move. These cards pay 2–4% back + 0% intro APR on purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is more affordable for a single person — Boise or Idaho Falls?
For a single person, Idaho Falls comes out ahead on overall affordability. Studio rents are $1,300 in Boise vs $900 in Idaho Falls. A single earner in Boise spends about 45% of take-home on studio rent. Idaho Falls is ~17% cheaper overall, which matters significantly on a single income.
What is the rent burden for a single person in Boise vs Idaho Falls?
Rent burden is the percentage of take-home pay spent on housing. Financial planners recommend keeping housing under 30% of gross income. In Boise, a single earner spending $1,300/month on a studio carries a 45% rent burden — significantly above the recommended 30%. In Idaho Falls, the rent burden is 34% — slightly above the recommended 30%.
How much can a single person save each month in Boise vs Idaho Falls?
After rent and basic living expenses (groceries, utilities, transport), a single earner can save approximately $1,000/month in Boise vs $1,190/month in Idaho Falls. These estimates are based on a single-person income of ~60% of median household income and studio rent costs.
Is it worth living alone in Boise vs getting a roommate in Idaho Falls?
Splitting a 1BR in Idaho Falls ($1,100/person) vs a solo studio in Boise ($1,300): splitting a 1BR in Idaho Falls ($550/person) is cheaper than a solo studio in Boise ($1,300). Factor in the privacy premium and your living preferences when deciding.
Which city is better for a single person's social life?
Walkability is a proxy for urban density and access to dining, entertainment, and social spaces without a car. Boise scores higher (28/100) — car-dependent, which may limit spontaneous social activity. For singles, a walkable neighborhood can significantly reduce the cost and friction of having an active social life.
Single-person income estimated at 60% of median household income. Take-home calculated using state income tax rate only. Savings estimate subtracts rent and estimated basic living costs. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026