Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Boise and Idaho Falls, Idaho. Using Idaho's 0.63% property tax rate and $1,600/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Idaho Falls edges out Boise in affordability, saving you roughly $724/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in Idaho, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Idaho's 0.63% property tax rate.
Buying in Idaho Falls saves you approximately $724/month ($8,688/year) compared to Boise, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Idaho Falls is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $335K versus $445K in Boise. That's $110K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $12K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Idaho Falls, compared to $16K in Boise. Idaho offers the Idaho Housing DPA program (Up to 7% second mortgage) which applies in both cities.
Idaho Falls has the better price-to-rent ratio at 24.3x versus 25.6x in Boise. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Idaho Falls is $1,150/month on a $335K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Boise (pop. 235,684) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Idaho Falls (pop. 64,048) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Families on a budget may prefer Idaho Falls, where lower housing costs free up more income for childcare, education, and savings.