Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Independence, MO (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Boise is 67% more expensive than Independence.

$1,359/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 22%
$81,308/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 27%
$456,000 ↑ 174%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 64%
$1,337/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 22%
235,701
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $298/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $3,576/year.

Median household income is $21,828/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Independence — common questions

Is Boise or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Independence?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $298/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Independence?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $21,828/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Missouri?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

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