Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Boise, ID (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Virginia Beach is 4% more expensive than Boise.

$1,649/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 18%
$90,685/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 10%
$366,300 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 24%
$1,704/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 22%
457,066
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $290/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $3,480/year.

Median household income is $9,377/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Virginia Beach slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Boise — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Boise?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $290/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Boise?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $9,377/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Idaho?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Virginia Beach or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Boise details →

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