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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Tucson is 32% cheaper than Boise.

$1,079/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 26%
$54,546/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 49%
$242,200 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 88%
$1,076/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↑ 24%
543,348
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $280/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $3,360/year.

Median household income is $26,762/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Boise — common questions

Is Tucson or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Boise?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $280/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Boise?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $26,762/year higher in Boise.
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 Tucson or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Boise details →

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