Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Boise is 11% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,359/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 21%
$81,308/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 7%
$456,000 ≈ Same
Home Value
$455,900 ≈ Same
$1,337/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 20%
235,701
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $5,671/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Sparks — common questions

Is Boise or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Sparks?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Sparks?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $5,671/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Nevada?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Sparks

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler