Rent prices have increased by 149% from 1985-2020, nearly four times faster than income at 35%. The hike has been even steeper since COVID, with a 90% increase in median rent price since 2020.
Home buying is not much better, increasing by three times the rate of income since the housing bubble in 2008. The average income to afford a home is over $144,000, while the median household income is only around $69,000.
Millions of Americans are increasingly being priced out of the housing market. Are you feeling the squeeze? Here are the top solutions for affordable and low-income housing in Boise.
Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
You may already know RVs are great for leisure travel. But did you know they can also be a great affordable housing option?
Over 1 million Americans lived in RVs even before COVID’s economic upheaval, according to the RV Industry Association (RVIA). RV living is popular for many reasons besides affordability.
It’s more cost flexible than renting or buying, and it’s popular with people who love travel or enjoy minimalist living. Long-term RVing is especially popular with younger generations.
There are several types of RVs:
- Popup campers
- Motorhomes
- Travel trailers
- Fifth wheels
- Toy haulers
- Destination trailers
This variety gives you a wide range of affordability options. You can easily pick an RV with the space, amenities, and pricing that works best for you. If you’re looking for cheap housing in Boise, look no further than your local friendly RV dealer.
Popup Campers
Popup campers are similar to tents but more sturdy. They collapse for easy storage and “pop-out” once you’ve reached your destination. They can include beds, small kitchens, and bathrooms.
Popup campers are generally the cheapest low-income housing solution. They range from only a couple thousand (used) to $20,000 for brand new, high-end models.
Popups are also low maintenance and easier to transport than larger RVs. You can tow it with most cars and minivans. If you need a quick, easy, and cheap affordable housing solution, popups are a great option.
Camper Vans
Camper vans are heavy-duty vans with living space amenities. Like regular vans, they vary wildly in price depending on new or used, brand, and features. You can buy campers vans for anywhere between $9,000 to over $150,000.
Camper vans have the added bonus of being drivable like a normal vehicle. You won’t have to worry about hitching, hauling, and navigating around tight spaces with this affordable housing option.
Travel Trailers
Travel trailers are the middle ground of RVs. They offer more space than popups and camper vans while remaining moderate in price. This makes travel trailers a popular option for families looking for low-income housing solutions.
Like camper vans, the price can fluctuate depending on space, amenities, and other factors. The average price for a new travel trailer is around $25,000-$45,000. You may also need to invest in a tow vehicle.
Fifth-Wheels
Do you need more space and sturdiness than a travel trailer offers? A fifth-wheel RV is a larger version of a travel trailer, with a special kind of hitch that increases maneuverability and space.
Fifth-wheels are still at the low end of affordability, ranging between $25,000 to $100,000. Like a trailer, it must be towed by a heavy-duty vehicle.
Motorhomes
Do you want the travel ease of a camper van but need more than the compact space it offers? Motorhomes offer a good compromise. The average motorhome price varies by class:
- Class A: $80,000 to $250,000
- Class B: $50,000 to $100,000
- Class C: $50,000 to $175,000
Class A is the largest and often costs as much as an actual house. Class B and C are smaller, with Class B being the most compact and generally the most affordable housing solution.
Destination Trailers
Like Class A, destination trailers are at the high-end of affordable housing options. They range from $70,000 to over $100,000, although some of the smaller models can be much cheaper.
If you live in an area with extremely high housing costs, such as San Diego and New York, a destination trailer can offer a low-income housing solution that feels more permanent and offers a more traditional home setup.
Mobile Homes
If you’re looking at destination trailers, a mobile home may also be an affordable housing option. Mobile home is officially used to refer to any movable, factory-built home that was made before HUD’s building standards in 1976.
You can find still find mobile homes in Boise, located in rural areas or in mobile home parks. They are usually cheaper than manufactured homes, although they will be much older and vary by upkeep. Luckily they are also cheaper to renovate.
Manufactured Homes
These factory-assembled homes are similar to mobile homes, except newer and built to more rigorous standards. Manufactured homes that are placed on a permanent foundation are referred to as modular homes.
According to Realtor.com’s listings, manufactured homes in Boise range from $50,000 to $150,000. Their price depends on age, size, and condition.
The newer models can offer around $170,000 for 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1,400-1,800 square feet. The price for a comparable single-family home starts at $375,000.
Tiny Homes
Cheap housing in Boise isn’t limited to RV and mobile home parks. Modern tiny homes became popular during the 2007-2009 Great Recession, and the housing bubble burst.
TIny homes are simply scaled-down houses, usually under 500ft. New homes range from $50,000 to $70,000 and can include many customizable options such as mobility, design, and amenities.
Shipping Container Homes
Shipping container homes offer one of the more unique low-income housing solutions. This refers to homes made from transoceanic shipping containers, which are tough and highly resistant to rust and the elements.
Container homes range from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on how many containers you use and the amenities offered. Some people even build their own container homes for even cheaper.
Find Low-Income Housing in Boise Today!
Whether you want to travel more or spend less, there are many affordable housing solutions near you. If you’re looking for low-income housing in Boise, your best bet will be a destination trailer.
Are you looking for affordable RVs that come with top-notch service? Our team believes in customer satisfaction over corporate high-pressure sales tactics. Contact us to get started on your perfect RV solution today!
