Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Boise is 40% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,359/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 21%
$81,308/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 21%
$456,000 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 41%
$1,337/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 17%
235,701
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $16,820/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Columbia — common questions

Is Boise or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Columbia?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Columbia?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $16,820/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Missouri?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Columbia details →

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