Home › Compare › Chicago, IL vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Chicago, IL 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.

2.8% Boise, ID is cheaper overall
12.4% 12.4% 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 12.4% more
Chicago
105
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 5.8% cheaper
Chicago
104
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 14.0% cheaper
Chicago
114
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 6.8% cheaper
Chicago
103
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 12.9% cheaper
Chicago
101
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index1071042.8% less
Housing10511812.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,30023.5% less
Median Home Price$310,000$430,00038.7% more
Groceries104985.8% less
Transportation1149814.0% less
Healthcare103966.8% less
Utilities1018812.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Boise, ID
State Income Tax4.95%5.80%
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
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 Chicago lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Boise52°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Boise235,684

Moving from Chicago to Boise?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago 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 12.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Boise?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% 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 Chicago to Boise?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 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 Chicago vs Boise?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $120,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Idaho averages 0.58%.