Home › Compare › Dallas, TX vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Dallas, TX 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.

2.0% Boise, ID is more expensive overall
9.3% 9.3% more expensive housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 9.3% more
Dallas
108
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Dallas
97
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 3.0% cheaper
Dallas
101
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Dallas
98
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 15.4% cheaper
Dallas
104
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Dallas, TX Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index102104~Same
Housing1081189.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,400$1,3007.1% less
Median Home Price$340,000$430,00026.5% more
Groceries9798~Same
Transportation101983.0% less
Healthcare9896~Same
Utilities1048815.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Dallas, TX Boise, ID
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.80%
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Dallas, TX
$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 Dallas lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Dallas (102) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Dallas3.8%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Dallas3.4%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Dallas28 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Dallas46
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Dallas48
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Dallas66°F
Boise52°F
Population
Dallas1,288,457
Boise235,684

Moving from Dallas to Boise?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Dallas 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dallas or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Dallas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 9.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Dallas vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,400/month in Dallas and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Dallas or Boise?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Dallas to Boise?+
Median household income in Dallas 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 Dallas vs Boise?+
The median home price in Dallas is $340,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $90,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Idaho averages 0.58%.