Home › Compare › Detroit, MI vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Detroit, MI 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.

16.9% Boise, ID is more expensive overall
73.5% 73.5% more expensive housing
3.2% 3.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 73.5% more
Detroit
68
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 3.2% more
Detroit
95
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 3.9% cheaper
Detroit
102
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Detroit
96
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 15.4% cheaper
Detroit
104
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Detroit, MI Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index8910416.9% more
Housing6811873.5% more
Median 1BR Rent$900$1,30044.4% more
Median Home Price$85,000$430,000405.9% more
Groceries95983.2% more
Transportation102983.9% less
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities1048815.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Detroit, MI Boise, ID
State Income Tax4.25%5.80%
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.32%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Detroit, MI
$42,000
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 Detroit lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Detroit (89) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Detroit6.2%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Detroit1.5%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
DetroitAuto, Manufacturing, Healthcare
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Detroit27 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Detroit55
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Detroit44
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Detroit49°F
Boise52°F
Population
Detroit639,111
Boise235,684

Moving from Detroit to Boise?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Detroit 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 Detroit or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Detroit is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 73.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Detroit vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $900/month in Detroit and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Detroit or Boise?+
Michigan has a state income tax of 4.25% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Detroit to Boise?+
Median household income in Detroit is $42,000 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 Detroit vs Boise?+
The median home price in Detroit is $85,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $345,000. Property tax rates also differ: Michigan averages 1.32% while Idaho averages 0.58%.