Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs College Station, TX (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Boise is 23% more expensive than College Station.

$1,359/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 14%
$81,308/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 36%
$456,000 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 28%
$1,337/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 6%
235,701
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $29,532/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs College Station — common questions

Is Boise or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and College Station?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or College Station?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $29,532/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Texas?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and College Station

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette