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Renting · Section 8

Data from November 2026

Renting in Ada County, Idaho

Ada County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,540 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,577 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $29.62 an hour, full time.

Figure your move-in cash Section 8 here
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Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$1,540
a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
13% more than in Idaho
Typical rent
$1,577
a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
27% more than in Idaho
Wage needed
$29.62
an hour, 2 bedrooms
Or $61,600 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households
49%
spend 30% or more of income on rent
5% more than in Idaho

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates

Only here

Renting in Ada County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

  1. Ada County has the highest typical rent of the 43 counties in Idaho with this figure: $1,577.

  2. Ada County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,577, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Canyon County ($1,347).

  3. At $91,502, Ada County ranks 3rd among the 44 counties in Idaho for the highest typical household income.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).

Fair market rent

What HUD sets for each size

Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Ada County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.

The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)

According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Ada County was $1,984 a month in September 2026: 8.1% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size Fair rent per month Hourly wage Income needed per year
Studio $1,152 $22.15 $46,080
1 bedroom $1,295 $24.90 $51,800
2 bedrooms $1,540 $29.62 $61,600
3 bedrooms $2,132 $41.00 $85,280
4 bedrooms $2,574 $49.50 $102,960

HUD area: Boise City, ID HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

By ZIP code

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 17 ZIP codes in Ada County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,500 in 83702 to $2,000 in 83616. 13 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,540).

Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)

Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Rent burden

How many households spend too much

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Ada County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Idaho, 47%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.

49%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

59,144 households rent in Ada County

  • Spend half or more of their income 23%
  • Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
  • Spend less than 30% 51%

Compared with the state and the country

  • Ada 49%
  • Idaho 47%
  • United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Ada County

HUD lists 58 properties with homes for low-income households in Ada County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.

with tax credits (LIHTC)
36
HUD-assisted
23
public housing
2

3,454 homes in all; 3,084 of them low-income, according to HUD.

  • Civic Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) 190 E Front St, Boise 83702 299 homes, 296 low-income · Studio: 3 · 1 bd: 168 · 2 bd: 128 · In service since 2004 · For families
  • Capitol Plaza Public housing 700 W Cunningham Pl, Boise 83702 160 low-income homes · Run by Boise City Housing Authority · Average payment: $367 a month · Average wait: 25 months · (208) 345-4907
  • Mallard Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 503 E 50th St, Garden City 83714 158 homes, 157 low-income · Studio: 20 · 1 bd: 133 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
  • Oak Park Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 2888 W Cherry Ln, Boise 83705 200 homes, 154 low-income · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 1996 · For families
  • Samaritan Village Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3350 N Collister Dr, Boise 83703 100 low-income homes · Studio: 14 · 1 bd: 86 · In service since 2016 · For older adults · (208) 343-9504
  • Arbor Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 5122 W Stoker Ln, Boise 83703 228 homes, 96 low-income · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 118 · 3 bd: 80 · In service since 1992 · For families
  • River Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) 1249 W Grand Ave, Boise 83702 116 homes, 87 low-income · Studio: 30 · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2000 · For families
  • Brentwood Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 3165 S Apple St, Boise 83706 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1993 · For families
  • Shoreline Plaza HUD-assisted 675 S 13th St, Boise 83702 80 low-income homes · For older adults · (208) 344-3226
  • Towne Square Village II Tax credit (LIHTC) 244 N Allumbaugh St, Boise 83704 80 homes, 79 low-income · Studio: 6 · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1994 · For families
  • Greenfield Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 4923 W Albion St, Boise 83705 75 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 45 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1993 · For families
  • Bannock Arms Apts HUD-assisted 330 E Bannock St, Boise 83712 66 homes, 65 low-income · For older adults · (208) 344-3770
  • Trailwinds (THE) Tax credit (LIHTC) 415 E 42nd St, Garden City 83714 64 homes, 57 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 38 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2015 · For families
  • Shannon Glen at Riverside Tax credit (LIHTC) 10140 W Charlie Ln, Garden City 83714 72 homes, 56 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 36 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2002 · For families
  • Tramore Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 1103 W Pine Ave, Meridian 83642 72 homes, 56 low-income · 1 bd: 49 · 2 bd: 23 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
  • Foothills (THE) Tax credit (LIHTC) 2308 E Franklin Rd, Meridian 83642 54 homes, 53 low-income · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 30 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2004 · For families
  • 12th and River Street Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 514 S 12th St, Boise 83702 53 homes, 52 low-income · 1 bd: 52 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2012 · For older adults · (208) 514-1601
  • Northwest Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 3475 N Five Mile Rd, Boise 83713 77 homes, 50 low-income · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 28 · 4 bd: 9 · In service since 1994 · For families
  • Dogwood Plaza HUD-assisted 1755 N Linda Vista Ln, Boise 83704 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (208) 319-0780
  • James Court Apartments HUD-assisted 2190 N Meridian Rd, Meridian 83646 50 low-income homes · For families · (208) 888-3112
  • Sisters Villa Tax credit (LIHTC) 540 N Eagle Rd, Eagle 83616 49 homes, 48 low-income · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 19 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
  • Greenbriar Apartments HUD-assisted 693 E Old Saybrook Ln, Boise 83706 47 homes, 46 low-income · For families · (208) 342-2930
  • Hillcreek Tax credit (LIHTC) 2463 N 15th St, Boise 83702 60 homes, 44 low-income · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1994 · For families
  • Pioneer Square Apartments HUD-assisted 1210 W Grand Ave, Boise 83702 44 low-income homes · For families · (208) 342-4028
  • Pioneer Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 1220 W Grand Ave, Boise 83702 43 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2012 · For families
  • Cottonwood Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 1801 E State St, Eagle 83616 48 homes, 42 low-income · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
  • Washington Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 416 E Washington Ave, Meridian 83642 42 homes, 41 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2017 · For families
  • Davis Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 970 N 29th St, Boise 83702 41 homes, 40 low-income · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 17 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 1991 · For families
  • New Path Community Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 2200 W Fairview Ave, Boise 83702 41 homes, 40 low-income · Studio: 36 · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2018 · For people experiencing homelessness
  • Eagle Manor HUD-assisted 276 E Cedar Ridge St, Eagle 83616 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (208) 393-0409
  • Franklin Grove Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 4929 W Franklin Rd, Boise 83705 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · In service since 2006 · For older adults · (208) 336-0086
  • Riverview Tax credit (LIHTC) 1070 S Leadville Ave, Boise 83706 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2010 · For families
  • Riverview Homes HUD-assisted 1970 S Leadville Ave, Boise 83706 40 low-income homes · For families · (208) 343-1944
  • Wildwood HUD-assisted 2369 S Orchard St, Boise 83705 40 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (208) 342-1829
  • Wylie Street Station Tax credit (LIHTC) 4683 W Wylie Ln, Boise 83703 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2006 · For families
  • Wylie Street Station HUD-assisted 4611 W Wylie Ln, Boise 83703 40 low-income homes · For families · (208) 344-5824
  • Idanha Tax credit (LIHTC) 928 W Main St, Boise 83702 53 homes, 39 low-income · 1 bd: 50 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2001 · For families
  • Centennial Manor HUD-assisted 661 S Curtis Rd, Boise 83705 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (208) 344-2164
  • Harrison Hills HUD-assisted 2260 N Harrison Blvd, Boise 83702 36 low-income homes · For older adults · (208) 342-4716
  • Syringa Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 10811 W Ustick Rd, Boise 83713 64 homes, 32 low-income · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1993 · For families
  • Moon Valley Tax credit (LIHTC) 142 S Sunlight Ave, Star 83669 37 homes, 32 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2017 · For families
  • Apple Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 3410 N 34th St, Boise 83703 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2009 · For families
  • Owyhee Place Apartments HUD-assisted 2500 S Owyhee St, Boise 83705 32 low-income homes · For families · (208) 342-8664
  • Valley Run Tax credit (LIHTC) 620 Linder Ave, Kuna 83634 32 homes, 31 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 14 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2003 · For families
  • Apple Pointe Apartments HUD-assisted 3330 N 34th St, Boise 83703 32 homes, 30 low-income · For families · (208) 426-0779
  • Vineyard at Eagle Promenade Tax credit (LIHTC) 10482 Utahna Rd, Boise 83714 30 homes, 27 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
  • Valor Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 4203 W State St, Boise 83703 27 homes, 26 low-income · 1 bd: 27 · In service since 2020
  • Treehouse - Boise Tax credit (LIHTC) 280 W Boise Ave, Boise 83706 25 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2006 · For families
  • Treehouse Apartments HUD-assisted 240 W Boise Ave, Boise 83706 25 low-income homes · For families · (208) 383-9385
  • Barton Apartments HUD-assisted 5306 W State St, Boise 83703 24 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (208) 853-1786
  • Eagle Senior Village HUD-assisted 542 N Eagle Rd, Eagle 83616 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (208) 939-4412
  • Patterson Tax credit (LIHTC) 510 N 12th St, Boise 83702 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · In service since 1993 · For families
  • Cassia Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 5503 W Cassia St, Boise 83705 18 low-income homes · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1993 · For families
  • Leisure Village Vi HUD-assisted 540 N Linder Ave, Kuna 83634 18 low-income homes · For older adults · (208) 459-6348
  • Arc Living Residential Home HUD-assisted 217 S Ruby St, Boise 83705 18 homes, 16 low-income · For people with disabilities · (208) 343-5583
  • Stewart Avenue Tax credit (LIHTC) 970 N 29th St, Boise 83702 16 low-income homes · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1996 · For families
  • Cottage at Boise HUD-assisted 3390 N Collister Dr, Boise 83703 16 homes, 15 low-income · For people with disabilities · (208) 343-9504
  • Ada County Ha Public housing 1721 W Victory Rd, Boise 83705 10 low-income homes · Run by Ada County Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (208) 345-4907

3 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map

Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.

Section 8

The Section 8 voucher in Ada County

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Ada County. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

  1. You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. HUD

  2. Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)

  3. Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)

  4. If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)

  5. When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. 24 CFR §982.508

  6. Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured
HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.
People Extremely low (30%) Very low (50%) Low
$23,250 $38,750 $62,000
$26,600 $44,300 $70,850
$29,900 $49,850 $79,700
$33,200 $55,350 $88,550
$38,680 $59,800 $95,650
$44,360 $64,250 $102,750
$50,040 $68,650 $109,850
$55,720 $73,100 $116,900

Area median income: $110,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Boise City, ID HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

  • Studio $1,037 – $1,267
  • 1 bedroom $1,166 – $1,425
  • 2 bedrooms $1,386 – $1,694
  • 3 bedrooms $1,919 – $2,345
  • 4 bedrooms $2,317 – $2,831

The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.

Housing agencies that serve this place

Housing agencies in Idaho Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026

Your rights as a tenant in Idaho

What Idaho law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.

See your rights, rule by rule

Compare these rules with other states →

A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

When must they return my deposit?
21 days
Idaho Code §6-321(2)
If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
3 days
Idaho Code §6-303(2)
How much notice before a rent increase?
30 days
Idaho Code §55-304(2)

Help

Where to get help with rent in Ada County

These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Ada County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

  • Idaho Housing and Finance Association

    565 W Myrtle St, Boise · Spanish

    Also serves in French.

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Budget and credit workshops
    • and 7 more
    (877) 695-2655

  • Idaho Housing and Finance Association

    565 West Myrtle, Boise · Spanish

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Budget and financial counseling
    • and 8 more
    (877) 695-2655

  • Jesse Tree

    1121 W Miller St, Boise

    • Budget and credit workshops
    • Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
    • and 3 more
    (209) 383-9486
See every agency in Idaho Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Ada County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.

Count power on top of the rent: in Idaho, the average home bill was $109 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs

Open the full tool

Your move

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Adjust advanced details
Deposit and rent in advance
The deposit, in

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$3,080

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month
$1,540
Security deposit
$1,540
Total
$3,080

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

When you'll have it

Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.

What helps

  • Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
  • On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
  • Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
Guide: the security depositGuide: avoiding rental scamsFamily budgetHow much rent can I afford?

This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Ada County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,152; 1 bedroom: $1,295; 2 bedrooms: $1,540; 3 bedrooms: $2,132; 4 bedrooms: $2,574. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Ada County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,540) without spending more than 30% of income takes $29.62 an hour full time, or $61,600 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Ada County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $55,350 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.

How much does Section 8 pay in Ada County?

The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,386 and $1,694 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Ada County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,500 in 83702 to $2,000 in 83616. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.

How many low-income apartments are there in Ada County?

HUD lists 58 properties with homes for low-income households in Ada County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.

How many households spend too much on rent in Ada County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Ada County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Idaho, 47%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).