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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Boise is 58% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,359/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 19%
$81,308/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 23%
$456,000 ↑ 155%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 61%
$1,337/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 17%
235,701
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $253/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $3,036/year.

Median household income is $18,588/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Abilene — common questions

Is Boise or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Abilene?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $253/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Abilene?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $18,588/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Texas?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Abilene

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland