Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A software engineer in Boise earns roughly $129,044/yr (~$6,941/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,380/mo — that's 20% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
ID · 2026
Can a Software Engineer Afford to Live in Boise?
Using local salary estimates and Boise's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a software engineer in Boise, ID in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$129,044/yr local estimate
$10,754
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
5.8% state income tax
-$3,813
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$6,941
1BR rent
20% of take-home
-$1,380
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$135
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$345
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$4,731
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a software engineer in Boise could save roughly $22,704/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 20% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 20% of take-home pay, a software engineer in Boise is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $129,044/yr — adjusted from the national Software Engineer median of $130,160/yr based on Boise's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Boise for a Software Engineer
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
North End
Tree-lined streets, Foothills trailhead minutes away, most desirable, established; 1BR $1,400–1,900
Hyde Park
Walkable village strip, independent shops, bungalows, community feel; 1BR $1,300–1,700
Linen District / Downtown
Craft breweries, restaurants, galleries, most urban feel; 1BR $1,400–1,900
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Software Engineer in Boise?
A Software Engineer in Boise earns approximately $129,044 per year, based on the national BLS median of $130,160/yr adjusted for Boise's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Boise affordable for a software engineer in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 20% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A software engineer can live comfortably in Boise with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Software Engineer get in Boise?
After federal taxes, 5.8% state income tax, and FICA, a Software Engineer earning $129,044/yr takes home roughly $6,941/month in Boise.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Software Engineer in Boise?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Boise costs a median of $1,380/month. On a Software Engineer salary, that's 20% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.