Quick answer
🔴 Not comfortably on a single income. A electrician in Boise earns roughly $61,062/yr (~$3,488/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,380/mo — that's 40% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
ID · 2026
Can an Electrician 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 an electrician in Boise, ID in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$61,062/yr local estimate
$5,089
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
5.8% state income tax
-$1,601
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$3,488
1BR rent
40% 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
$1,278
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a electrician in Boise could save roughly $6,132/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 40% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 40% of take-home pay, a electrician in Boise is in difficult territory. Most financial advisors recommend finding a roommate, considering a cheaper area, or targeting salary growth before renting solo here.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $61,062/yr — adjusted from the national Electrician median of $61,590/yr based on Boise's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Boise for a Electrician
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 Electrician in Boise?
A Electrician in Boise earns approximately $61,062 per year, based on the national BLS median of $61,590/yr adjusted for Boise's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Boise affordable for a electrician in 2026?
Not comfortably as a solo renter. Rent takes 40% of take-home pay. A roommate arrangement would make Boise more feasible on a electrician salary.
How much take-home pay does a Electrician get in Boise?
After federal taxes, 5.8% state income tax, and FICA, a Electrician earning $61,062/yr takes home roughly $3,488/month in Boise.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Electrician in Boise?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Boise costs a median of $1,380/month. On a Electrician salary, that's 40% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.