Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Boise, ID (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Mesa is 4% cheaper than Boise.

$1,478/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 8%
$78,779/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 3%
$364,300 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 25%
$1,404/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 5%
507,478
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $2,529/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Boise — common questions

Is Mesa or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Boise?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Boise?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $2,529/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Idaho?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Boise details →

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