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Cost of Living: Nashville, 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.

5.1% Boise, ID is more expensive overall
9.3% 9.3% 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 9.3% more
Nashville
108
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 3.2% more
Nashville
95
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Nashville
99
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% more
Nashville
93
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 9.3% cheaper
Nashville
97
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index991045.1% more
Housing1081189.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,3005.8% less
Median Home Price$395,000$430,0008.9% more
Groceries95983.2% more
Transportation9998~Same
Healthcare93963.2% more
Utilities97889.3% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, 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

Nashville, TN
$72,000
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 Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Boise52°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Boise235,684

Moving from Nashville to Boise?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Nashville 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Nashville 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 Nashville vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $80 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville 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 Nashville to Boise?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 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 Nashville vs Boise?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $35,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Idaho averages 0.58%.