Home › Compare › Boston, MA vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Boston, MA 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.

23.0% Boise, ID is cheaper overall
31.4% 31.4% cheaper housing
10.9% 10.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 31.4% cheaper
Boston
172
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 10.9% cheaper
Boston
110
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 16.9% cheaper
Boston
118
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 16.5% cheaper
Boston
115
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 21.4% cheaper
Boston
112
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boston, MA Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index13510423.0% less
Housing17211831.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,600$1,30050.0% less
Median Home Price$700,000$430,00038.6% less
Groceries1109810.9% less
Transportation1189816.9% less
Healthcare1159616.5% less
Utilities1128821.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boston, MA Boise, ID
State Income Tax9.00% (top)5.80%
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.14%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Boston, MA
$98,000
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 Boston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Boston (135) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boston3.6%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boston2.9%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boston31 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Boston82
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Boston38
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Boston51°F
Boise52°F
Population
Boston675,647
Boise235,684

Moving from Boston to Boise?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boston 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 Boston 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 31.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boston vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,600/month in Boston and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $1,300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Boise?+
Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) 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 Boston to Boise?+
Median household income in Boston is $98,000 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 Boston vs Boise?+
The median home price in Boston is $700,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $270,000. Property tax rates also differ: Massachusetts averages 1.14% while Idaho averages 0.58%.