Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Boise is 93% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,359/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 28%
$81,308/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 36%
$456,000 ↑ 282%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 74%
$1,337/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 27%
235,701
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $383/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $4,596/year.

Median household income is $29,138/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Lansing — common questions

Is Boise or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Lansing?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $383/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Lansing?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $29,138/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Michigan?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

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