Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Boise is 11% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,359/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 18%
$81,308/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 3%
$456,000 ≈ Same
Home Value
$454,600 ≈ Same
$1,337/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 31%
235,701
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $238/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $2,856/year.

Median household income is $2,549/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Boise or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $238/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Tacoma?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $2,549/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Washington?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

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