Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Boise, ID (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Garland is 16% cheaper than Boise.

$1,525/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 11%
$74,717/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 9%
$248,900 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 83%
$1,445/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 7%
245,298
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $6,591/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Boise — common questions

Is Garland or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Boise?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Boise?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $6,591/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Idaho?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Boise details →