Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Boise, ID (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Madison is 8% cheaper than Boise.

$1,364/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ≈ Same
$76,983/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 6%
$346,900 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 31%
$1,476/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 9%
275,568
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,325/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Boise — common questions

Is Madison or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Boise?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Boise?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $4,325/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Idaho?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Boise details →

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