Moving to Idaho in 2026: The Complete Relocation Guide (Boise Area)

By Mackenzie Miller, REALTOR®, Silvercreek Realty Group (Idaho License SP47947) · Updated October 31, 2026

Quick answer

Idaho was the second-fastest-growing state in the U.S. in 2025, and most newcomers land in the Treasure Valley around Boise. The seven most popular towns are Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Nampa, Caldwell and Kuna. In September 2026, typical home values ranged from about $399,600 in Caldwell to about $785,300 in Eagle (Zillow). Idaho has a flat 5.3% income tax and a 6% sales tax, and new residents should get an Idaho driver's license and register vehicles within 30 days.

Idaho at a glance

Idaho population (2025)2,029,733U.S. Census Bureau

Growth rank, 2025#2 state1.4% growth, Census

State income tax5.3% flatIdaho State Tax Commission

State sales tax6%Grocery credit offsets food tax

Ada County median sale$575,000BRR, Sept 2026

Canyon County median sale$443,523BRR, Sept 2026

Idaho grew 1.4% in 2025, second only to South Carolina among states, reaching about 2,029,733 residents (U.S. Census Bureau). Within the Treasure Valley, Star grew 14.8%, the fastest rate of any Idaho city, and Caldwell, Meridian, Nampa, Star and Kuna each added more than 2,400 residents (Idaho Department of Labor).

Compare the Treasure Valley towns

The Treasure Valley isn't one place. Here's how the seven most popular towns for newcomers compare. Population is the Census Vintage 2025 estimate; typical home value is the Zillow Home Value Index for September 2026.

Town	County	Population (2025)	Typical home value	Best for
Boise	Ada	238,429	$500,215	The capital with a hometown feel
Meridian	Ada	142,988	$535,629	Convenient, newer, everything nearby
Nampa	Canyon	120,384	$415,281	More home for your money
Caldwell	Canyon	76,629	$399,646	Creekside downtown, wine country nearby
Eagle	Ada	34,658	$785,302	Polished, scenic and a little quieter
Kuna	Ada	31,525	$460,394	Quiet, rural and close to it all
Star	Ada	20,874	$582,851	Room to breathe, small-town spirit

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2025; Zillow Home Value Index (linked per town).

Home prices and taxes

Home prices

Ada County (Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Kuna) had a median sale price of $575,000 on 854 sales in September 2026, with homes averaging 39 days on market (Boise Regional REALTORS®). Canyon County (Nampa, Caldwell) had a median sale price of $443,523 on 419 sales, averaging 48 days on market (Boise Regional REALTORS®). Statewide, Zillow's typical Idaho home value was about $476,800, compared with about $366,200 nationally (Zillow).

Taxes

Income tax: a flat 5.3% individual rate (Idaho State Tax Commission).
Sales tax: 6% statewide. Groceries are taxed, and residents can claim a grocery credit on their Idaho return (Idaho State Tax Commission).
Property tax: the homeowner's exemption removes 50% of your primary home's value (plus up to one acre) from taxation, up to $125,000. Apply with your county assessor (Idaho State Tax Commission).

New-resident checklist

Get your Idaho driver's license and register your vehicles within 30 days of moving (State of Idaho).
Apply for the homeowner's exemption with your county assessor once you own and live in your home (Idaho State Tax Commission).
Confirm the school assignment for your exact address with the school district.
Set up utilities, trash and irrigation (many Treasure Valley neighborhoods have pressurized irrigation; ask what your address uses).
File as a part-year resident the first year you move, and claim the grocery credit.

How to move to Idaho from out of state

Pick your town. Start with the 2-minute town-match quiz and the town guides below.
Tour by video. Narrow neighborhoods and homes on live video before you book a flight.
Plan your sale and purchase together. Decide whether to buy first, sell first, or coordinate both closings, and get pre-approved with a lender.
Visit and decide. A focused weekend trip to see your short list in person.
Land with a plan. Closing, utilities, license and registration within 30 days.

Rankings and comparisons

Town-by-town relocation guides

Moving to Idaho FAQ

Why are so many people moving to Idaho?

Idaho was the second-fastest-growing state in the U.S. in 2025, growing 1.4% to about 2,029,733 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. People often cite outdoor access, four seasons, a flat 5.3% state income tax, and home prices that are lower than many West Coast metros.

What are the best places to live near Boise, Idaho?

The most popular Treasure Valley choices are Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Nampa, Caldwell and Kuna. Boise fits urban and walkable lifestyles, Meridian fits newer homes and convenience, Eagle fits upscale and scenic, Star and Kuna fit space and a small-town pace, and Nampa and Caldwell fit buyers focused on value.

What is the cheapest town in the Boise area?

Of the seven Treasure Valley towns we cover, Caldwell had the lowest Zillow typical home value in September 2026 (about $399,600), followed by Nampa (about $415,300) and Kuna (about $460,400).

How much does a house cost in Boise, Idaho?

Zillow's typical home value in Boise was about $500,200 in September 2026. Across Ada County, Boise Regional REALTORS® reported a median sale price of $575,000 for September 2026.

Does Idaho have a state income tax?

Yes. Idaho has a flat individual income tax rate of 5.3% for 2025 and 2026, according to the Idaho State Tax Commission.

Are groceries taxed in Idaho?

Yes. Idaho's 6% sales tax applies to groceries, but residents can claim a grocery credit on their Idaho income tax return to offset it.

How long do I have to get an Idaho driver's license after moving?

The State of Idaho says new residents should get an Idaho driver's license and register their vehicles within 30 days of moving.

Is there a property tax break for homeowners in Idaho?

Yes. Idaho's homeowner's exemption removes 50% of the value of your primary home and up to one acre of land from property tax, up to a maximum of $125,000. You apply with your county assessor.

What is the fastest-growing city in Idaho?

Star grew 14.8% in 2025, the fastest rate of any Idaho city, according to the Idaho Department of Labor's analysis of Census estimates. Caldwell added the most residents (about 3,452).

Can I buy a home in Idaho without visiting first?

Yes. Many out-of-state buyers start with live video tours to narrow a short list, then fly in for a weekend to decide. Mackenzie Miller offers video tours across the Treasure Valley.

Moving to Idaho in 2026: What to Know Before You Go