Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs West Valley City, UT (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

West Valley City

Utah
109

Boise is 3% more expensive than West Valley City.

$1,359/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,445/mo ↑ 6%
$81,308/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$88,604/yr ↑ 9%
$456,000 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$377,300 ↓ 17%
$1,337/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,473/mo ↑ 10%
235,701
Population
137,955

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and West Valley City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $86/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $1,032/year.

Median household income is $7,296/year higher in West Valley City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $377,300 in West Valley City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making West Valley City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs West Valley City — common questions

Is Boise or West Valley City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Valley City is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and West Valley City?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in West Valley City it's $1,445/month — a difference of $86/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or West Valley City?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $88,604 in West Valley City. Median household income is $7,296/year higher in West Valley City.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Utah?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or West Valley City?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,445/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View West Valley City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and West Valley City

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise West Valley City vs. Columbia West Valley City vs. Hampton West Valley City vs. Warren West Valley City vs. Cedar Rapids West Valley City vs. Orange West Valley City vs. Dayton