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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Boston is 57% more expensive than Boise.

$2,093/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 35%
$94,755/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 14%
$710,400 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 36%
$2,176/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 39%
663,972
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $734/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $8,808/year.

Median household income is $13,447/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Boise — common questions

Is Boston or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Boise?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $734/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Boise?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $13,447/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Idaho?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Boise has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,359/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Boise details →

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