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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Columbus is 26% cheaper than Boise.

$1,224/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 11%
$65,327/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 24%
$234,500 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 94%
$1,243/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↑ 8%
906,480
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $135/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $1,620/year.

Median household income is $15,981/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Boise — common questions

Is Columbus or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Boise?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $135/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Boise?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $15,981/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 Columbus or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Boise details →

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