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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Boise is 12% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,359/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 34%
$81,308/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 18%
$456,000 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 11%
$1,337/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 34%
235,701
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $466/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $5,592/year.

Median household income is $14,949/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Richardson — common questions

Is Boise or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Richardson?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $466/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Richardson?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $14,949/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Richardson

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater