Home › Compare › Boise, ID vs St. Louis, MO

Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs St. Louis, MO

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

13.5% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
37.3% 37.3% 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 37.3% cheaper
Boise
118
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Boise
98
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Boise
98
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Boise
96
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities 15.9% more
Boise
88
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boise, ID St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1049013.5% less
Housing1187437.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,300$1,00023.1% less
Median Home Price$430,000$185,00057.0% less
Groceries9896~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities8810215.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boise, ID St. Louis, MO
State Income Tax5.80%4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.58%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Boise, ID
$72,000
Median household income
St. Louis, MO
$52,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: St. Louis 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 St. Louis to maintain your Boise lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Boise (104) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boise3.0%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boise3.8%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boise21 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Boise39
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Boise44
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Boise52°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Boise235,684
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boise or St. Louis cheaper to live in?+
St. Louis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 37.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boise vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,300/month in Boise and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boise or St. Louis?+
Idaho has a state income tax of 5.80% and sales tax of 6.00%. Missouri has a state income tax of 4.80% (top) and sales tax of 4.23%. 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 St. Louis?+
Median household income in Boise is $72,000 compared to $52,000 in St. Louis. 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 St. Louis?+
The median home price in Boise is $430,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $245,000. Property tax rates also differ: Idaho averages 0.58% while Missouri averages 0.88%.