Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Boise, ID (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Raleigh and Boise have a similar cost of living.

$1,468/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 7%
$82,424/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 1%
$377,800 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 21%
$1,487/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 10%
470,763
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $1,116/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Boise — common questions

Is Raleigh or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Boise?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Boise?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $1,116/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Idaho?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Boise details →

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