Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Boise, ID (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Lexington is 27% cheaper than Boise.

$1,101/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 23%
$67,631/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 20%
$272,100 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 68%
$1,160/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↑ 15%
321,122
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $258/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $3,096/year.

Median household income is $13,677/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Boise — common questions

Is Lexington or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Boise?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $258/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Boise?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $13,677/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Idaho?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Boise details →

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