Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Boise is 12% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,359/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 4%
$81,308/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 21%
$456,000 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 23%
$1,337/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 3%
235,701
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,408/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Boise or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Wilmington?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Wilmington?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $17,408/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and North Carolina?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Wilmington

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