Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Boise is 38% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,359/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 15%
$81,308/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 25%
$456,000 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 43%
$1,337/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 17%
235,701
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $20,280/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Boise or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $20,280/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Tennessee?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

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