Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Boise is 26% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,359/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 33%
$81,308/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 39%
$456,000 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 32%
$1,337/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 46%
235,701
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $443/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $5,316/year.

Median household income is $32,088/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Arvada — common questions

Is Boise or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Arvada?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $443/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Arvada?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $32,088/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Colorado?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Arvada details →

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