Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Boise is 8% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,359/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 4%
$81,308/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 17%
$456,000 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 26%
$1,337/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 14%
235,701
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $13,764/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Worcester — common questions

Is Boise or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Worcester?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $56/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Worcester?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $13,764/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Massachusetts?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Worcester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Worcester

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