Home › Compare › Houston, TX vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Houston, 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.

8.3% Boise, ID is more expensive overall
28.3% 28.3% more expensive housing
4.3% 4.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 28.3% more
Houston
92
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 4.3% more
Houston
94
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Houston
100
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Houston
95
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 17.0% cheaper
Houston
106
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Houston, TX Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index961048.3% more
Housing9211828.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,200$1,3008.3% more
Median Home Price$295,000$430,00045.8% more
Groceries94984.3% more
Transportation10098~Same
Healthcare9596~Same
Utilities1068817.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Houston, 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

Houston, TX
$67,000
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 Houston lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Houston (96) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Houston4.5%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Houston3.1%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Houston30 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Houston33
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Houston52
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Houston70°F
Boise52°F
Population
Houston2,304,580
Boise235,684

Moving from Houston 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 Houston 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Houston or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Houston is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 28.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Houston vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,200/month in Houston and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Houston 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 Houston to Boise?+
Median household income in Houston is $67,000 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 Houston vs Boise?+
The median home price in Houston is $295,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $135,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Idaho averages 0.58%.