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Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD 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.

3.7% Boise, ID is cheaper overall
5.4% 5.4% more expensive housing
5.8% 5.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 5.4% more
Baltimore
112
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 5.8% cheaper
Baltimore
104
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 10.9% cheaper
Baltimore
110
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 7.7% cheaper
Baltimore
104
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 18.5% cheaper
Baltimore
108
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Baltimore, MD Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index1081043.7% less
Housing1121185.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,3003.7% less
Median Home Price$220,000$430,00095.5% more
Groceries104985.8% less
Transportation1109810.9% less
Healthcare104967.7% less
Utilities1088818.5% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Baltimore, MD Boise, ID
State Income Tax5.75% (top)5.80%
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.99%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Baltimore, MD
$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 Baltimore lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Baltimore (108) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Baltimore5.0%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Baltimore1.7%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Baltimore31 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Baltimore67
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Baltimore44
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Baltimore56°F
Boise52°F
Population
Baltimore585,708
Boise235,684

Moving from Baltimore to Boise?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 5.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Baltimore vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Baltimore and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Baltimore or Boise?+
Maryland has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Baltimore to Boise?+
Median household income in Baltimore 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 Baltimore vs Boise?+
The median home price in Baltimore is $220,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $210,000. Property tax rates also differ: Maryland averages 0.99% while Idaho averages 0.58%.