Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Boise is 4% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,359/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 1%
$81,308/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 8%
$456,000 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 9%
$1,337/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 4%
235,701
Population
203,888

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,383/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Boise or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $6,383/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 Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Salt Lake City

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Salt Lake City vs. Columbus Salt Lake City vs. Little Rock Salt Lake City vs. Worcester Salt Lake City vs. McKinney Salt Lake City vs. Cape Coral Salt Lake City vs. Augusta