Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Boise, ID (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Seattle is 75% more expensive than Boise.

$1,998/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 32%
$121,984/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 33%
$912,100 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 50%
$2,220/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 40%
741,440
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $639/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $7,668/year.

Median household income is $40,676/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Boise — common questions

Is Seattle or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Boise?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $639/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Boise?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $40,676/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Idaho?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Boise details →

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