Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Boise, ID (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Aurora is 16% more expensive than Boise.

$1,759/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 23%
$84,320/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 4%
$444,500 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 3%
$1,762/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 24%
390,201
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.8%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $3,012/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Boise — common questions

Is Aurora or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Boise?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Boise?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $3,012/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Idaho?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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 Aurora details → View Boise details →

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