Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Salem, OR (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Boise is 7% more expensive than Salem.

$1,359/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 3%
$81,308/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 12%
$456,000 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 16%
$1,337/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 8%
235,701
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,408/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Salem — common questions

Is Boise or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Salem?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Salem?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $9,408/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Oregon?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Salem details →

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