Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Boise and Elizabeth have a similar cost of living.

$1,359/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 8%
$81,308/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 21%
$456,000 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 14%
$1,337/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 15%
235,701
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.63%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $104/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $1,248/year.

Median household income is $17,434/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Boise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Boise or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $104/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $17,434/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and New Jersey?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Elizabeth

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