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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Boise is 45% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,359/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 67%
$81,308/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 72%
$456,000 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 90%
$1,337/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 81%
235,701
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $916/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $10,992/year.

Median household income is $58,852/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Arlington — common questions

Is Boise or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Arlington?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $916/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Arlington?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $58,852/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Arlington details →

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