Salary Needed to Live in Boise as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $132,869/year to live comfortably in Boise, ID, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $132,869/year to live comfortably in Boise, ID. The bare-minimum salary is $105,567/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $7,848.
The minimum scenario leaves about $6,422/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $11,072/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$132,869
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$105,567
$8,797/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$6,422
9% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Boise
| Expense | Boise | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,880 | $2,509 | -25% |
| Groceries | $570 | $528 | +8% |
| Utilities | $305 | $337 | -9% |
| Transportation | $550 | $526 | +5% |
| Car Insurance | $166 | $215 | -23% |
| Health Insurance | $528 | $642 | -18% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,248 | $1,200 | +4% |
| Internet + Phones | $187 | $180 | +4% |
| Children Activities | $260 | $250 | +4% |
| Dining Out | $364 | $350 | +4% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $208 | $200 | +4% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $156 | $150 | +4% |
| Total Monthly | $6,422 | $7,087 | -9% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$6,422
Target savings (15%):$1,426/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$7,848
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$132,869
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,880
3BR Apartment/House rent is 29% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus ID state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,426/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
104/100
Boise is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby west Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 3br apartment/house housing near $1,880/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,423/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $105,567/year as the survival floor and $132,869/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Boise
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Boise?
A family with kids needs approximately $132,869/year ($11,072/month gross) to live comfortably in Boise with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Boise?
A 3br apartment/house in Boise costs approximately $1,880/month, which is the largest single expense at 29% of the total budget.
Is Boise affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Boise is 9% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.