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Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA 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.

2.8% Boise, ID is cheaper overall
3.5% 3.5% more expensive housing
3.9% 3.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 3.5% more
Atlanta
114
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 3.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 10.1% cheaper
Atlanta
109
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 5.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 11.1% cheaper
Atlanta
99
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index1071042.8% less
Housing1141183.5% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,30021.2% less
Median Home Price$380,000$430,00013.2% more
Groceries102983.9% less
Transportation1099810.1% less
Healthcare102965.9% less
Utilities998811.1% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA Boise, ID
State Income Tax5.39%5.80%
State Sales Tax4.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.72%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
Boise, ID
$72,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Boise costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
Boise52°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
Boise235,684

Moving from Atlanta to Boise?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Atlanta 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Boise is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 3.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or Boise?+
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. 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 Atlanta to Boise?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 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 Atlanta vs Boise?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $50,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while Idaho averages 0.58%.