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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Boise is 42% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,359/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 18%
$81,308/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 37%
$456,000 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 51%
$1,337/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 5%
235,701
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $245/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,940/year.

Median household income is $29,969/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Boise 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 79 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 $1,114/month — a difference of $245/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Springfield?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $29,969/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Massachusetts?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% 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 79 with rent of $1,114/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. Kansas City Springfield vs. Sunnyvale Springfield vs. Killeen Springfield vs. Hollywood Springfield vs. Lakewood Springfield vs. Roseville