Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Boise, ID (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Atlanta is 9% more expensive than Boise.

$1,617/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 16%
$81,938/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$81,308/yr ≈ Same
$420,600 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 8%
$1,695/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 21%
499,287
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $258/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $3,096/year.

Median household income is $630/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Boise — common questions

Is Atlanta or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Boise?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $258/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Boise?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $630/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Idaho?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Boise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Atlanta and Boise

Atlanta vs. Mesa Atlanta vs. Omaha Atlanta vs. Kansas City Atlanta vs. Colorado Springs Atlanta vs. Sacramento Atlanta vs. Raleigh Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise