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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Louisville is 34% cheaper than Boise.

$1,069/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 27%
$64,731/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 26%
$221,500 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 106%
$1,118/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↑ 20%
627,210
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $290/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $3,480/year.

Median household income is $16,577/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Boise — common questions

Is Louisville or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Boise?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $290/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Boise?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $16,577/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 Louisville or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Boise details →

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