Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Boise is 7% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,359/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 13%
$81,308/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 21%
$456,000 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 28%
$1,337/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 6%
235,701
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $180/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $2,160/year.

Median household income is $16,868/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Boise or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Clearwater?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $180/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Clearwater?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $16,868/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Florida?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Clearwater

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