Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Boise is 72% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,359/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 21%
$81,308/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 27%
$456,000 ↑ 210%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 68%
$1,337/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 21%
235,701
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $286/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $3,432/year.

Median household income is $22,125/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

Kansas City has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Boise or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Kansas City?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $286/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Kansas City?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $22,125/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Kansas?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Kansas City details →

More Comparisons

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