Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Richmond, VA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Boise is 14% more expensive than Richmond.

$1,359/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 3%
$81,308/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↓ 23%
$456,000 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$328,100 ↓ 28%
$1,337/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↑ 3%
235,701
Population
227,595

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $18,637/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Richmond — common questions

Is Boise or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Richmond?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Richmond it's $1,314/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Richmond?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $18,637/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Virginia?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Richmond

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino