Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Boise is 7% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,359/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 14%
$81,308/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$81,089/yr ≈ Same
$456,000 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 5%
$1,337/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 23%
235,701
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $219/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Boise or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $219/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Michigan?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Ann Arbor details →

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