Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Boise is 44% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,359/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 21%
$81,308/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 13%
$456,000 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 42%
$1,337/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 22%
235,701
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $10,530/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Huntsville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Boise or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Huntsville?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $281/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Huntsville?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $10,530/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Alabama?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with rent of $1,078/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Huntsville details →

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