A few years ago, Boise was considered one of the most affordable cities in the U.S., but the situation has changed significantly.

To get straight to the point, the average rent for a 1-bedroom in Boise is currently estimated to be between $1,300 and $1,500.

In downtown Boise and near the North End, many listings are priced between $1,450 and $1,650, while moving out towards Meridian or Nampa, you can find listings in the low $1,100s. The price difference between downtown and the outskirts is quite significant, ranging from $300 to $400, which seems to be leading more tenants to choose the outskirts despite the longer commute.

Studios are priced around $1,050 to $1,200, and 2-bedrooms range from $1,600 to $1,850, showing a clear price difference per room. Sharing a 2-bedroom with a roommate can actually reduce the cost per person, making this option popular among young professionals.

Looking at the trend over the past year, Boise has transitioned from a sharp increase during the pandemic to a more stable or slightly rising market. Once a city that recorded double-digit growth rates, the recent stability is interpreted as a result of increased new supply and adjusted demand.

Compared to nearby cities, Boise is still relatively affordable compared to larger West Coast cities like Seattle or Portland. However, it has the highest rent levels within Idaho, being about $200 to $400 higher than nearby small towns like Nampa or Caldwell.

For Korean households, Boise is not yet a city with a high concentration of Koreans, but there are Korean markets and restaurants located about a 15-minute drive from downtown, making access fairly convenient. Considering both budget and community accessibility, looking at locations between downtown and Meridian could be a good option.

What I observe while watching the Boise market is that this city is no longer a hidden affordable city. With a steady influx of people from California and Washington, the upward pressure on rents is unlikely to disappear completely. However, with the continued increase in new construction, it seems more likely that the market will follow a gradual trend rather than a sharp spike.

Therefore, if you are looking for a 1-bedroom in Boise, I recommend deciding whether to accept the downtown premium or save over $300 by moving to the outskirts, while also considering your commuting options and lifestyle patterns.