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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Milwaukee is 40% cheaper than Boise.

$1,033/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 32%
$51,888/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 57%
$172,000 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 165%
$1,082/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↑ 24%
569,756
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $326/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $3,912/year.

Median household income is $29,420/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Boise — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Boise?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $326/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Boise?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $29,420/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 Milwaukee or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Boise details →

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