Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Boise, ID (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Memphis is 39% cheaper than Boise.

$1,123/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 21%
$51,211/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 59%
$157,100 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 190%
$1,087/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↑ 23%
629,063
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $236/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $2,832/year.

Median household income is $30,097/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Boise — common questions

Is Memphis or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Boise?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $236/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Boise?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $30,097/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Idaho?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Boise details →

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