Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Boise is 55% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,359/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 84%
$81,308/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 98%
$456,000 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 164%
$1,337/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 93%
235,701
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,146/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $13,752/year.

Median household income is $79,992/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Boise or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Bellevue?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,146/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Bellevue?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $79,992/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Washington?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Bellevue

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