Home › Compare › Albuquerque, NM vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Boise, ID

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

13.0% Boise, ID is more expensive overall
34.1% 34.1% more expensive housing
2.1% 2.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 34.1% more
Albuquerque
88
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Albuquerque
96
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 2.1% more
Albuquerque
96
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 4.3% more
Albuquerque
92
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 8.3% cheaper
Albuquerque
96
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Albuquerque, NM Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index9210413.0% more
Housing8811834.1% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,30023.8% more
Median Home Price$280,000$430,00053.6% more
Groceries96982.1% more
Transportation96982.1% more
Healthcare92964.3% more
Utilities96888.3% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Albuquerque, NM Boise, ID
State Income Tax5.90% (top)5.80%
State Sales Tax5.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.67%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Albuquerque, NM
$58,000
Median household income
Boise, ID
$72,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Boise outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Boise to maintain your Albuquerque lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Albuquerque (92) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Albuquerque4.5%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Albuquerque2.0%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Albuquerque22 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Albuquerque36
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Albuquerque42
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Albuquerque57°F
Boise52°F
Population
Albuquerque564,559
Boise235,684

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Albuquerque and Boise → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Boise →

Compare Other Cities

Albuquerque vs Austin → Albuquerque vs Denver → Albuquerque vs Nashville → Boise vs Raleigh → Boise vs Portland → Boise vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Albuquerque or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Albuquerque is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 34.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Albuquerque and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Albuquerque or Boise?+
New Mexico has a state income tax of 5.90% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. Idaho has a state income tax of 5.80% and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Albuquerque to Boise?+
Median household income in Albuquerque is $58,000 compared to $72,000 in Boise. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Albuquerque vs Boise?+
The median home price in Albuquerque is $280,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $150,000. Property tax rates also differ: New Mexico averages 0.67% while Idaho averages 0.58%.