Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Boise, ID (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Jersey City is 32% more expensive than Boise.

$1,902/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 29%
$94,813/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 14%
$534,500 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 15%
$2,006/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 33%
289,691
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $543/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $6,516/year.

Median household income is $13,505/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Boise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Boise — common questions

Is Jersey City 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 Jersey City and Boise?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $543/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Boise?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $13,505/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Idaho?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Boise details →

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