Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Boise is 81% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,359/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 23%
$81,308/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 45%
$456,000 ↑ 229%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 70%
$1,337/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 26%
235,701
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $312/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $3,744/year.

Median household income is $36,932/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Boise or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Birmingham?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $312/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Birmingham?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $36,932/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Alabama?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Birmingham

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery