Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Athens, GA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Boise is 35% more expensive than Athens.

$1,359/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 14%
$81,308/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 36%
$456,000 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 40%
$1,337/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 13%
235,701
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $197/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $2,364/year.

Median household income is $29,653/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Athens — common questions

Is Boise or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Athens?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $197/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Athens?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $29,653/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Georgia?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Athens details →

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