Home › Compare › Austin, TX vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Austin, TX 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.

1.0% Boise, ID is more expensive overall
0.0% 0.0% cheaper 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 ~Same
Austin
118
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Austin
96
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Austin
97
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 11.1% cheaper
Austin
99
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index103104~Same
Housing118118~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,30010.3% less
Median Home Price$425,000$430,000~Same
Groceries96982.1% more
Transportation9898~Same
Healthcare9796~Same
Utilities998811.1% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Boise, ID
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.80%
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
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 Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Boise52°F
Population
Austin979,882
Boise235,684

Moving from Austin to Boise?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Austin is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 0.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Boise?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Austin to Boise?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 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 Austin vs Boise?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $5,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Idaho averages 0.58%.