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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Boise is 18% cheaper than Allen.

$1,359/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 38%
$81,308/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 59%
$456,000 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 6%
$1,337/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 56%
235,701
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $518/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $6,216/year.

Median household income is $47,822/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Allen — common questions

Is Boise or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Allen?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $518/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Allen?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $47,822/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

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