Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Boise, ID (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Denver is 31% more expensive than Boise.

$1,770/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 23%
$91,681/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 11%
$586,700 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 22%
$1,839/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 27%
713,734
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.8%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $411/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $4,932/year.

Median household income is $10,373/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Boise — common questions

Is Denver or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Boise?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $411/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Boise?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $10,373/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Idaho?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Boise details →

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