Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Boise is 35% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,359/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 3%
$81,308/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 10%
$456,000 ↑ 119%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 54%
$1,337/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 6%
235,701
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,278/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Odessa — common questions

Is Boise or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Odessa?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $37/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Odessa?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $8,278/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Texas?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Odessa

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham