Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Boise, ID (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Anchorage and Boise have a similar cost of living.

$1,453/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 6%
$98,152/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 17%
$375,900 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 21%
$1,698/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 21%
289,069
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $16,844/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Boise — common questions

Is Anchorage or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Boise?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Boise?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $16,844/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Idaho?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/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 Anchorage details → View Boise details →

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