Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Boise, ID (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Plano is 18% more expensive than Boise.

$1,792/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 24%
$108,649/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 25%
$440,600 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 3%
$1,829/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 27%
287,339
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $433/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $5,196/year.

Median household income is $27,341/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Boise — common questions

Is Plano or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Boise?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $433/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Boise?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $27,341/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Idaho?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Boise details →

More Comparisons

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