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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Boise is 9% cheaper than Vancouver.

$1,359/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 20%
$81,308/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↓ 4%
$456,000 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$440,300 ↓ 3%
$1,337/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 20%
235,701
Population
192,696

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $273/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $3,276/year.

Median household income is $3,152/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Boise or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Vancouver?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $273/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Vancouver?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $3,152/year higher in Boise.
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 Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Vancouver details →

More Comparisons

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