Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Provo, UT (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Boise is 10% more expensive than Provo.

$1,359/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 15%
$81,308/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 23%
$456,000 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 4%
$1,337/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 9%
235,701
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $207/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $2,484/year.

Median household income is $18,508/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Provo — common questions

Is Boise or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Provo?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $207/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Provo?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $18,508/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Utah?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Provo details →

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