Home › Compare › Columbus, OH vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Columbus, OH 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.

11.8% Boise, ID is more expensive overall
37.2% 37.2% more expensive housing
2.1% 2.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 37.2% more
Columbus
86
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Columbus
96
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Columbus
98
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% more
Columbus
94
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
Columbus
95
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Columbus, OH Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index9310411.8% more
Housing8611837.2% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,100$1,30018.2% more
Median Home Price$260,000$430,00065.4% more
Groceries96982.1% more
Transportation9898~Same
Healthcare94962.1% more
Utilities95887.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Columbus, OH Boise, ID
State Income Tax3.50% (top)5.80%
State Sales Tax5.75%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.41%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Columbus, OH
$64,000
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 Columbus lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Columbus (93) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Columbus3.8%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Columbus2.8%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Columbus23 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Columbus41
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Columbus40
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Columbus52°F
Boise52°F
Population
Columbus905,748
Boise235,684

Moving from Columbus to Boise?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Columbus 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 Columbus or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Columbus is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 37.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Columbus vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,100/month in Columbus and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Columbus or Boise?+
Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. 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 Columbus to Boise?+
Median household income in Columbus is $64,000 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 Columbus vs Boise?+
The median home price in Columbus is $260,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $170,000. Property tax rates also differ: Ohio averages 1.41% while Idaho averages 0.58%.