Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Boise is 35% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,359/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 62%
$81,308/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 32%
$456,000 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 35%
$1,337/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 76%
235,701
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.63%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $848/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $10,176/year.

Median household income is $26,166/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Stamford — common questions

Is Boise or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Stamford?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $848/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Stamford?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $26,166/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Connecticut?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Stamford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Stamford

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Stamford vs. Elizabeth Stamford vs. Kent Stamford vs. Victorville Stamford vs. Midland Stamford vs. Miramar Stamford vs. Coral Springs