Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Boise, ID (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Durham is 6% cheaper than Boise.

$1,412/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 4%
$79,234/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 3%
$355,300 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 28%
$1,434/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 7%
288,465
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $2,074/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Boise — common questions

Is Durham or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Boise?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Boise?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $2,074/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Idaho?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Boise details →

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