Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Boise is 6% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,359/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 26%
$81,308/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 15%
$456,000 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 19%
$1,337/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 25%
235,701
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $12,047/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Boise or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $12,047/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Florida?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and West Palm Beach

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings