Home › Compare › Louisville, KY vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Louisville, KY 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.

13.0% Boise, ID is more expensive overall
43.9% 43.9% 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 43.9% more
Louisville
82
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 3.2% more
Louisville
95
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Louisville
98
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% more
Louisville
94
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 12.0% cheaper
Louisville
100
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Louisville, KY Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index9210413.0% more
Housing8211843.9% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,000$1,30030.0% more
Median Home Price$225,000$430,00091.1% more
Groceries95983.2% more
Transportation9898~Same
Healthcare94962.1% more
Utilities1008812.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Louisville, KY Boise, ID
State Income Tax4.00%5.80%
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.78%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Louisville, KY
$60,000
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 Louisville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Louisville (92) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Louisville4.0%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Louisville2.3%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
LouisvilleHealthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Louisville23 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Louisville36
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Louisville46
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Louisville57°F
Boise52°F
Population
Louisville633,045
Boise235,684

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Louisville 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 Louisville or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Louisville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 43.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Louisville vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,000/month in Louisville and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Louisville or Boise?+
Kentucky has a state income tax of 4.00% 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 Louisville to Boise?+
Median household income in Louisville is $60,000 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 Louisville vs Boise?+
The median home price in Louisville is $225,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $205,000. Property tax rates also differ: Kentucky averages 0.78% while Idaho averages 0.58%.