Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Boise is 53% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,359/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 102%
$81,308/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 56%
$456,000 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 128%
$1,337/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 97%
235,701
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,383/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $16,596/year.

Median household income is $45,161/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Boise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Boise or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Cambridge?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,383/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Cambridge?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $45,161/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Massachusetts?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Cambridge details →

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