Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Boise, ID (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Scottsdale is 53% more expensive than Boise.

$1,910/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 29%
$107,372/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 24%
$709,900 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 36%
$1,824/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 27%
242,169
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.6%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $551/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $6,612/year.

Median household income is $26,064/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Boise — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Boise?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $551/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Boise?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $26,064/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Idaho?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Boise details →