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Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL 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
20.4% 20.4% 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 20.4% more
Jacksonville
98
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Jacksonville
97
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Jacksonville
98
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 4.3% more
Jacksonville
92
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 13.7% cheaper
Jacksonville
102
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Jacksonville, FL Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index961048.3% more
Housing9811820.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,300$1,300~Same
Median Home Price$310,000$430,00038.7% more
Groceries9798~Same
Transportation9898~Same
Healthcare92964.3% more
Utilities1028813.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Jacksonville, FL Boise, ID
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.80%
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Jacksonville, FL
$63,000
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 Jacksonville lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Jacksonville3.7%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Jacksonville3.1%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Jacksonville26 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Jacksonville26
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Jacksonville36
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Jacksonville69°F
Boise52°F
Population
Jacksonville949,611
Boise235,684

Moving from Jacksonville to Boise?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Jacksonville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 20.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Jacksonville vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,300/month in Jacksonville and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Jacksonville or Boise?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Jacksonville to Boise?+
Median household income in Jacksonville is $63,000 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 Jacksonville vs Boise?+
The median home price in Jacksonville is $310,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $120,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Idaho averages 0.58%.