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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Boise is 47% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,359/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 12%
$81,308/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 21%
$456,000 ↑ 136%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 58%
$1,337/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 15%
235,701
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $158/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $1,896/year.

Median household income is $17,038/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Boise or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Pasadena?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $158/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Pasadena?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $17,038/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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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