Home › Compare › Minneapolis, MN vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN 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.

0.0% Boise, ID is cheaper overall
9.3% 9.3% more expensive housing
3.0% 3.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 9.3% more
Minneapolis
108
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 3.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
101
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 7.5% cheaper
Minneapolis
106
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 4.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
100
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
Minneapolis
95
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index104104~Same
Housing1081189.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,3003.7% less
Median Home Price$330,000$430,00030.3% more
Groceries101983.0% less
Transportation106987.5% less
Healthcare100964.0% less
Utilities95887.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Boise, ID
State Income Tax9.85% (top)5.80%
State Sales Tax6.88%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
Median household income
Boise, ID
$72,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Boise costs more but median income is lower. 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 Minneapolis lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Boise52°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Boise235,684

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Boise is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 9.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Boise?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. 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 Minneapolis to Boise?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 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 Minneapolis vs Boise?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $100,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while Idaho averages 0.58%.