Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Providence, RI (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Boise is 13% more expensive than Providence.

$1,359/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 2%
$81,308/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 18%
$456,000 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 29%
$1,337/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 10%
235,701
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
5.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,536/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Boise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Providence — common questions

Is Boise or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Providence?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Providence?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $14,536/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Rhode Island?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Providence details →

More Comparisons

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