Cost of Living in Ada County, Idaho
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ada County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ada County ranks #2,058 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ada County, Idaho
Ada rents climb above national norm
Ada County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% exceeds the national benchmark, meaning renters here dedicate nearly a fifth of their earnings to housing. With a median household income of $88,907—well above the national median of $74,755—residents still feel the pinch of a tight rental market where median gross rent reaches $1,465 monthly.
Idaho's priciest county for renters
Ada County ranks as Idaho's most expensive rental market, with renters spending 19.8% of income on rent versus the state average of 16.8%. The median monthly rent of $1,465 significantly outpaces the statewide median of $919, reflecting the county's position as Idaho's economic hub.
Ada towers over surrounding counties
Ada County's median rent of $1,465 dwarfs neighboring Boise County ($854) and Bingham County ($845), a gap of over $600 monthly. Homebuyers face similar disparity: Ada's median home value of $476,000 stands roughly $50,000 higher than nearby Boise County's $424,100.
Renters and owners both feel the squeeze
Ada County renters spend $1,465 monthly while homeowners pay $1,401—nearly identical burdens on a median household income of $88,907. Combined with other expenses, housing consumes roughly 19.8% of renter income, leaving less room for savings and other necessities.
Relocating? Ada offers job growth, but consider costs
Ada County attracts newcomers with strong incomes and opportunity, but housing costs demand serious budget planning. If affordability is your priority, exploring nearby Boise or Bingham counties could yield significant savings without sacrificing access to Ada's economic benefits.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ada County
Affordability Verdict
Ada County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,465/month — about 19.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Ada County pay $1,465/month on average, compared to $1,401/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 4%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $58,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $60,043/year. With a median household income of $88,907, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Ada County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Kootenai County where rent averages $1,330/month, Ada County is approximately 10% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ada County
Rent Burden
19.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,074
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.9%
of gross income
The median home in Ada County may be a stretch
Median home value is $476,000. Estimated monthly cost: $3,800 vs. your max of $2,074.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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