Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Boise, ID (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Newark is 11% cheaper than Boise.

$1,330/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 2%
$48,416/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 68%
$337,800 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 35%
$1,419/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 6%
307,188
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

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

Median household income is $32,892/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Boise — common questions

Is Newark or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Boise?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Boise?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $32,892/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Idaho?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Boise details →

More Comparisons

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