Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Boise is 84% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,359/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 30%
$81,308/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 19%
$456,000 ↑ 194%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 66%
$1,337/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 27%
235,701
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $414/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $4,968/year.

Median household income is $15,771/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Springfield — common questions

Is Boise or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Springfield?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $414/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Springfield?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $15,771/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Illinois?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Springfield

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces