Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Boise is 18% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,359/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 22%
$81,308/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 3%
$456,000 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 20%
$1,337/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 27%
235,701
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $2,290/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Boise or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $2,290/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Colorado?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

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