Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Boise is 37% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,359/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 4%
$81,308/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 25%
$456,000 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 50%
$1,337/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 14%
235,701
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $20,361/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Boise or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Lakeland?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Lakeland?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $20,361/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Florida?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Lakeland

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon