Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Boise, ID (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Reno is 9% more expensive than Boise.

$1,453/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 6%
$78,448/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 4%
$498,600 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 9%
$1,482/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 10%
268,959
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $2,860/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Boise — common questions

Is Reno or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Boise?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Boise?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $2,860/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Idaho?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Boise details →

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