Home › Compare › Boise, ID vs Cincinnati, OH

Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Cincinnati, OH

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

11.5% Cincinnati, OH is cheaper overall
32.2% 32.2% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 32.2% cheaper
Boise
118
Cincinnati
80
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Boise
98
Cincinnati
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Boise
98
Cincinnati
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Boise
96
Cincinnati
96
⚡ Utilities 11.4% more
Boise
88
Cincinnati
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boise, ID Cincinnati, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index1049211.5% less
Housing1188032.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,300$1,05019.2% less
Median Home Price$430,000$215,00050.0% less
Groceries9896~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities889811.4% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boise, ID Cincinnati, OH
State Income Tax5.80%3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.58%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Boise, ID
$72,000
Median household income
Cincinnati, OH
$58,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati to maintain your Boise lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boise3.0%
Cincinnati3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boise3.8%
Cincinnati2.4%
Top Industries
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing
CincinnatiManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boise21 min
Cincinnati24 min
Walk Score
Boise39
Cincinnati50
Air Quality (AQI)
Boise44
Cincinnati44
Avg Temperature
Boise52°F
Cincinnati54°F
Population
Boise235,684
Cincinnati309,317

Moving from Boise to Cincinnati?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boise or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?+
Cincinnati is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 32.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boise vs Cincinnati?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,300/month in Boise and $1,050/month in Cincinnati — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boise or Cincinnati?+
Idaho has a state income tax of 5.80% and sales tax of 6.00%. Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. 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 Boise to Cincinnati?+
Median household income in Boise is $72,000 compared to $58,000 in Cincinnati. 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 Boise vs Cincinnati?+
The median home price in Boise is $430,000 versus $215,000 in Cincinnati — a difference of $215,000. Property tax rates also differ: Idaho averages 0.58% while Ohio averages 1.41%.