Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Boise, ID (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Portland is 26% more expensive than Boise.

$1,596/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 15%
$88,792/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 8%
$557,600 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 18%
$1,771/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 25%
642,715
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.8%
0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $237/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $2,844/year.

Median household income is $7,484/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Boise — common questions

Is Portland or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Boise?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $237/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Boise?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $7,484/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Idaho?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Boise details →