Annual tuition is $10,720. A Korean parent checking the regular tuition for Bishop Kelly High School asked to confirm the number again. They had come to Idaho thinking that taxes were low and the cost of living was affordable, but found the private school tuition to be higher than expected.

Let's break down what this number actually means. Bishop Kelly is a Catholic college preparatory school for grades 9 through 12. The regular tuition is $10,720, but depending on financial aid eligibility, the actual cost can be reduced to around $8,525. The acceptance rate is 96 percent, which is higher than the national average of 87 percent for private high schools, indicating that the admission threshold is not particularly high.

Within Boise, Riverstone International School has a different character. It operates an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum for grades K-12, with tuition around $24,600 per year. The acceptance rate is 80 percent, which is lower than that of Bishop Kelly. If IB is unfamiliar, think of it as an internationally recognized curriculum that develops college-level critical thinking and essay writing skills, widely accepted in university admissions around the world.

Both schools offer financial aid and merit scholarships, so there's no need to give up just by looking at the sticker price. It's advisable to check the financial aid criteria directly on the school's website.

Now, moving on to housing prices, according to Zillow data as of June 30, 2026, the average home value in Boise is $508,258, which is a 0.9 percent increase from a year ago. The median sale price according to Redfin for the second quarter of 2026 was $535,000. Even when looking at the entire Boise metro area, the median price as of August 2026 is around $534,700, which is similar.

At first glance, these numbers may seem contrary to the image of Idaho being affordable. However, property tax rates are still relatively low, so when calculating monthly mortgage payments, it's important to include not just principal and interest, but also property taxes and insurance for an accurate comparison. If you're coming from another state, it's wise to first check the difference in property tax rates from your previous residence.

When considering school districts, refer to ratings from GreatSchools or Niche, but keep in mind that school district boundaries can change over time, so it's safest to verify the assigned school for a specific address on the district's website before making any purchase or rental agreements.

There are also aspects to consider from a mortgage perspective. Idaho's property tax rate is lower than the national average, so even when adding property taxes and insurance to principal and interest, the monthly payment tends to be less burdensome compared to other western states. However, it should be noted that in recent years, the influx of new residents has intensified competition for available properties, which has reduced negotiation flexibility compared to the past.

Bishop Kelly and Riverstone are both located not far from downtown Boise, so regardless of which school you choose, the commute time won't vary significantly. However, the types of properties available differ by neighborhood near the schools. Some areas are primarily single-family homes, while others have a higher proportion of townhouses or condos, so it's efficient to narrow down the area based on your budget and lifestyle.

Looking at rental prices, as of July 2026, the median rent for a 3-bedroom in Boise is $2,172, and slightly higher at $2,195 within Boise City. This is a 3 percent increase from a year ago. The rate of rent increase is steeper than the rise in home prices, so for families planning long-term residency, it may be a more favorable time to consider purchasing a home.

In addition to these two private schools, Boise has several public high schools with good reputations. If private school tuition is a concern, comparing public school district ratings first and then looking for homes or rentals nearby is also an option. Ultimately, what matters is not the name but the actual data reflecting academic achievement.

This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with professionals before making any actual agreements.