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Cost of Living: Memphis, TN 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.

20.9% Boise, ID is more expensive overall
68.6% 68.6% more expensive housing
6.5% 6.5% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 68.6% more
Memphis
70
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 6.5% more
Memphis
92
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 2.1% more
Memphis
96
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 6.7% more
Memphis
90
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 10.2% cheaper
Memphis
98
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Memphis, TN Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index8610420.9% more
Housing7011868.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,30036.8% more
Median Home Price$165,000$430,000160.6% more
Groceries92986.5% more
Transportation96982.1% more
Healthcare90966.7% more
Utilities988810.2% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Memphis, TN Boise, ID
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.80%
State Sales Tax7.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Memphis, TN
$48,000
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 Memphis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Memphis (86) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Memphis4.8%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Memphis1.9%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Memphis24 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Memphis34
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Memphis44
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Memphis63°F
Boise52°F
Population
Memphis633,104
Boise235,684

Moving from Memphis to Boise?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Memphis 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memphis or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 68.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Memphis vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Memphis and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Memphis or Boise?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. 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 Memphis to Boise?+
Median household income in Memphis is $48,000 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 Memphis vs Boise?+
The median home price in Memphis is $165,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $265,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Idaho averages 0.58%.