Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Boise is 53% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,359/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 26%
$81,308/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 40%
$456,000 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 48%
$1,337/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 22%
235,701
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $354/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $4,248/year.

Median household income is $32,772/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Boise or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $354/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $32,772/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Alabama?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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