Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Kent, WA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Boise is 23% cheaper than Kent.

$1,359/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 35%
$81,308/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 11%
$456,000 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 18%
$1,337/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 43%
235,701
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $474/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $5,688/year.

Median household income is $9,108/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Kent — common questions

Is Boise or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Kent?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $474/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Kent?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $9,108/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Washington?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Kent

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights