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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

Boise is 62% more expensive than Amarillo.

$1,359/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ↓ 23%
$81,308/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↓ 23%
$456,000 ↑ 144%
Home Value
$186,800 ↓ 59%
$1,337/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ↓ 20%
235,701
Population
200,945

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $18,839/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Boise or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Amarillo?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Amarillo?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $18,839/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 Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Amarillo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Amarillo

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Amarillo vs. Oxnard Amarillo vs. Tallahassee Amarillo vs. Augusta Amarillo vs. Birmingham Amarillo vs. McKinney Amarillo vs. Sunrise Manor