Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Boise is 51% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,359/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 18%
$81,308/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 37%
$456,000 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 53%
$1,337/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 20%
235,701
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $30,314/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Boise or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Knoxville?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Knoxville?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $30,314/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Tennessee?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Knoxville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Knoxville

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