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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

3.7% Boise, ID is cheaper overall
7.3% 7.3% more expensive housing
7.5% 7.5% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 7.3% more
Philadelphia
110
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 7.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 12.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 8.6% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 18.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index1081043.7% less
Housing1101187.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,30013.3% less
Median Home Price$280,000$430,00053.6% more
Groceries106987.5% less
Transportation1129812.5% less
Healthcare105968.6% less
Utilities1088818.5% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Boise, ID
State Income Tax3.07%5.80%
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
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 Philadelphia lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Boise52°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Boise235,684

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 7.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Boise?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% 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 Philadelphia to Boise?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs Boise?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $150,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Idaho averages 0.58%.