Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Boise, ID (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Detroit is 53% cheaper than Boise.

$1,034/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 31%
$39,575/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 105%
$76,800 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 494%
$868/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↑ 54%
636,644
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $41,733/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Boise — common questions

Is Detroit or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Boise?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Boise?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $41,733/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Idaho?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Boise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Detroit and Boise

Detroit vs. Portland Detroit vs. Memphis Detroit vs. Las Vegas Detroit vs. Louisville Detroit vs. Boston Detroit vs. Baltimore Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise