Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Boise, ID (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Cincinnati is 38% cheaper than Boise.

$953/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 43%
$51,707/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 57%
$215,300 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 112%
$1,041/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↑ 28%
309,595
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $406/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $4,872/year.

Median household income is $29,601/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Boise — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Boise?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $406/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Boise?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $29,601/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Idaho?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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.
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