Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Boise is 38% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,359/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 10%
$81,308/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 44%
$456,000 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 52%
$1,337/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 4%
235,701
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.63%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $36,008/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Hartford — common questions

Is Boise or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Hartford?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Hartford?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $36,008/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Connecticut?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Hartford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Hartford

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Hartford vs. Fairfield Hartford vs. West Palm Beach Hartford vs. Berkeley Hartford vs. Spring Hill Hartford vs. Ann Arbor Hartford vs. Wilmington