Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Boise, ID (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Arlington is 15% cheaper than Boise.

$1,389/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 2%
$73,519/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 11%
$276,400 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 65%
$1,420/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 6%
394,769
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,789/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Boise — common questions

Is Arlington or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Boise?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Boise?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $7,789/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Idaho?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Boise details →

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