Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Cary, NC (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Boise is 17% cheaper than Cary.

$1,359/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 19%
$81,308/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 59%
$456,000 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 15%
$1,337/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 30%
235,701
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $262/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $3,144/year.

Median household income is $48,091/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Cary — common questions

Is Boise or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Cary?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $262/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Cary?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $48,091/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and North Carolina?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Cary details →

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