Home › Compare › Colorado Springs, CO vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO 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.

3.0% Boise, ID is more expensive overall
7.3% 7.3% more expensive housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 7.3% more
Colorado Springs
110
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Colorado Springs
98
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Colorado Springs
98
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 4.0% cheaper
Colorado Springs
100
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 4.3% cheaper
Colorado Springs
92
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Colorado Springs, CO Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index1011043.0% more
Housing1101187.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,3003.7% less
Median Home Price$400,000$430,0007.5% more
Groceries9898~Same
Transportation9898~Same
Healthcare100964.0% less
Utilities92884.3% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Colorado Springs, CO Boise, ID
State Income Tax4.40%5.80%
State Sales Tax2.90%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Colorado Springs, CO
$72,000
Median household income
Boise, ID
$72,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Boise costs more but median income is only slightly higher. 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 Colorado Springs lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Colorado Springs (101) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Colorado Springs3.4%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Colorado Springs3.1%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Colorado Springs24 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Colorado Springs34
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Colorado Springs40
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Colorado Springs49°F
Boise52°F
Population
Colorado Springs478,961
Boise235,684

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Colorado Springs is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 7.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Colorado Springs vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Colorado Springs and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Colorado Springs or Boise?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Colorado Springs to Boise?+
Median household income in Colorado Springs is $72,000 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 Colorado Springs vs Boise?+
The median home price in Colorado Springs is $400,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $30,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Idaho averages 0.58%.