Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Boise is 51% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,359/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 21%
$81,308/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 25%
$456,000 ↑ 106%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 51%
$1,337/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 18%
235,701
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $20,725/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Arkansas has a lower income tax rate, making Little Rock slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Boise or Little Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Little Rock?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Little Rock?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $20,725/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Arkansas?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Little Rock details →

More Comparisons

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