Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Boise is 42% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,359/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 7%
$81,308/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 34%
$456,000 ↑ 141%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 59%
$1,337/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 7%
235,701
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $27,905/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Allentown — common questions

Is Boise or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Allentown?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Allentown?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $27,905/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Pennsylvania?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Allentown details →

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