Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Boise is 42% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,359/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 7%
$81,308/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 20%
$456,000 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 55%
$1,337/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 12%
235,701
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $95/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $1,140/year.

Median household income is $16,116/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Boise or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Dearborn?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $95/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Dearborn?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $16,116/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Michigan?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Dearborn details →

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