Boise, United States 🇺🇸
#65
,
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Boise is the capital of Idaho and is known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor activities, and friendly community. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 235,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds of 120 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD is the local currency; banks include Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, and Idaho Central Credit Union |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, sourced from the Boise River |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Chase Bank, Bank of the West, and local options like Idaho Central Credit Union are popular |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Vrbo, and long-term rentals through Zillow or Craigslist |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and HomeAway dominate the market |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Fish, rates start around $30/night |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Boise for easy access to attractions and nightlife |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | North End for a vibrant community and proximity to parks |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Work {Space} Boise, offering dedicated desks and meeting rooms |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Downtown's Push and Pour is known for its great coffee and work-friendly atmosphere |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly Boise Tech Meetups held at Treefort Music Fest |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Visit the Boise Expats group on Facebook for meetups and social gatherings |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft are widely used for on-demand transportation |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Boise GreenBike is available for bike rentals |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lucky Peak State Park, a 30-minute drive away |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Alaska Airlines offers numerous regional flights |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Delta Airlines connects to major U.S. hubs |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Interstate 84 runs through Boise, providing easy highway access |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Boise does not have a train station, public transport via ValleyRide buses available |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | ValleyRide monthly passes cost approximately $60 |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus service to nearby cities like Nampa and Meridian via ValleyRide |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | St. Luke's Boise Medical Center, a leading healthcare facility |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Center offers classes suitable for all levels |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Boise Rock Gym provide diverse fitness options |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry on the Fly, offering drop-off and self-service options |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | DoorDash and UberEats serve most of Boise |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Finger steaks, a local delicacy, best found at The Basque Market |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Nice Slice Pizza offers a variety of vegan options |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Chocolate Bar for gourmet chocolates and desserts |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Boise Farmers Market is ideal for fresh local produce on Saturdays |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local options like Idaho Microgreens for fresh produce |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and Walmart Grocery deliver to Boise residents |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Downtown Boise is the hub for nightlife with bars and live music |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Payette Brewing Company offers local craft beers and tours |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Gallery features a curated selection of local wines |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Basque Block has vibrant street food options on weekends |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Lardo serves amazing sandwiches inspired by global dishes |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Idaho State Capitol Building and Boise River Greenbelt are must-visits |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Boise Art Museum showcases regional art and hosts events |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Idaho Penitentiary offers historical tours |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Cathedral of the Rockies is a notable landmark |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Boise River Festival held every June celebrates arts and culture |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Basque Block highlights Boise's unique cultural heritage |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Morrison Center hosts theater performances and concerts |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Boise Farmers Market is popular for local crafts and produce |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Concerts at The Knitting Factory and live music at local bars |
| 🎨 Street Art | Downtown Boise has vibrant murals and street art installations |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Idaho Culinary Collection offers sessions for food enthusiasts |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Cinder Wines hosts local art displays alongside wine tasting |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Idaho State Historical Society showcases local history |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Boise's Basque heritage is celebrated through festivals and events |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bogus Basin provides year-round outdoor activities like skiing and hiking |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Yellowstone National Park is about 4.5 hours away |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Boise River Greenbelt offers scenic paths for walking and biking |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Harrison Hollow provides breathtaking views of the Boise skyline |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Morrison Knudsen Nature Center for local wildlife observation |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Lucky Peak State Park allows bonfires in designated areas |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | UPS and FedEx services available throughout the city |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Boise Laptop Repair offers quick service for gadgets |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Boise Parks and Recreation often hosts table tennis events |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Spanish Language School offers classes for various levels |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Ada Community Library is a great place for reading and studying |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Boise Community Center hosts a variety of local events |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Cyber City offers high-speed gaming and VR experiences |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Boise River Casino provides a range of gaming options |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 35 m² = $87,500) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 35 m² = $80,500) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $156,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $216,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 5% for LLCs and corporations in Idaho |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No tax on dividends for residents |
| 🏦 Tax System | Idaho has a progressive tax system for residents based on income |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Max personal income tax rate is 6.5% |
| 🧾 VAT | There is no VAT; sales tax is 6% in Idaho |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Idaho follows federal guidelines on foreign income taxation |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rates around 1% of assessed value |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No specific property transaction tax in Idaho, but local fees may apply |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Ignores foreign earned income up to the first $100,000 qualifying for tax exemption |