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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Boise is 47% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,359/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 13%
$81,308/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 36%
$456,000 ↑ 146%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 59%
$1,337/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 5%
235,701
Population
114,356

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
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $179/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $2,148/year.

Median household income is $29,666/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Boise or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Waterbury?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $179/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Waterbury?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $29,666/year higher in Boise.
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 Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Waterbury details →

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