Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Columbus, GA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Columbus

Georgia
69

Boise is 62% more expensive than Columbus.

$1,359/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 21%
$81,308/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$56,622/yr ↓ 30%
$456,000 ↑ 150%
Home Value
$182,300 ↓ 60%
$1,337/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,064/mo ↓ 20%
235,701
Population
204,383

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Columbus, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $287/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $3,444/year.

Median household income is $24,686/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $182,300 in Columbus.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Columbus — common questions

Is Boise or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Columbus?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Columbus it's $1,072/month — a difference of $287/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Columbus?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $56,622 in Columbus. Median household income is $24,686/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Georgia?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Columbus details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Columbus

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Columbus vs. Worcester Columbus vs. Salt Lake City Columbus vs. Cape Coral Columbus vs. Little Rock Columbus vs. Yonkers Columbus vs. McKinney