Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Boise is 11% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,359/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 41%
$81,308/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 15%
$456,000 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 13%
$1,337/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 19%
235,701
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $558/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $6,696/year.

Median household income is $12,063/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Surprise — common questions

Is Boise or Surprise 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 Surprise?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $558/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Surprise?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $12,063/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Arizona?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Surprise

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite