Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Boise is 35% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,359/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 49%
$81,308/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 40%
$456,000 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 53%
$1,337/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 63%
235,701
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $672/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $8,064/year.

Median household income is $32,330/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Boise or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Alexandria?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $672/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Alexandria?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $32,330/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Virginia?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Alexandria

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen