All-In Monthly Cost
All-in monthly cost — $575K Cadence at Bainbridge home
HOA fee~$200/mo
Ada Co. tax (after homestead exemption, ~0.76%)~$269/mo
Homeowners insurance~$110–$155/mo
Utilities (Idaho Power)~$145–$195/mo
Total monthly carrying cost (excl. mortgage)~$724–$819/mo
Idaho Homestead Exemption — Apply After ClosingIdaho’s homestead exemption reduces taxable value by 50%, capped at a $125,000 reduction. On a $550K home in Ada County, this saves approximately $850–$950/year in property tax. File with the Ada County Assessor after closing — it renews automatically each year thereafter. Ada County effective rate after exemption: ~0.76%. Canyon County: ~0.68%.
Idaho Retirement Income Deduction — $95,870 for Married FilersIdaho allows a $95,870 deduction on qualified retirement income for married filers 65+, including pension, IRA, and 401(k) distributions. Social Security is fully exempt. For most retired couples, this eliminates Idaho income tax entirely. Idaho’s flat income tax rate is 5.8% — the deduction is the offset that makes the effective burden near zero for typical retirees.