Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Boise, ID (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Albuquerque is 29% cheaper than Boise.

$1,085/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 25%
$65,604/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 24%
$266,700 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 71%
$1,149/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↑ 16%
562,488
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $15,704/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Boise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Boise — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Boise?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Boise?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $15,704/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Idaho?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Boise has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,359/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Boise details →

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