Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Boise, ID (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Minneapolis is 9% cheaper than Boise.

$1,329/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 2%
$80,269/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 1%
$345,600 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 32%
$1,513/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 12%
426,845
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,039/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Boise — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Boise?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Boise?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $1,039/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Idaho?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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 Minneapolis details → View Boise details →

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