Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Boise is 21% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,359/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 28%
$81,308/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 6%
$456,000 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 20%
$1,337/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 29%
235,701
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $387/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $4,644/year.

Median household income is $4,481/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Boise or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Lakewood?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $387/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Lakewood?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $4,481/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Colorado?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

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