Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Boise, ID (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Gilbert is 32% more expensive than Boise.

$2,028/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 33%
$121,351/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 33%
$518,600 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 12%
$1,908/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 30%
271,118
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $669/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $8,028/year.

Median household income is $40,043/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Boise — common questions

Is Gilbert or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Boise?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $669/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Boise?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $40,043/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Idaho?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Boise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Boise

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise