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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Austin is 20% more expensive than Boise.

$1,655/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 18%
$91,461/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 11%
$512,700 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 11%
$1,747/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 23%
967,862
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $296/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $3,552/year.

Median household income is $10,153/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Boise — common questions

Is Austin or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Boise?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $296/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Boise?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $10,153/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Boise details →

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