Home › Compare › Phoenix, AZ vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ 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.

4.0% Boise, ID is more expensive overall
11.3% 11.3% more expensive housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 11.3% more
Phoenix
106
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Phoenix
98
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 3.0% cheaper
Phoenix
101
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Phoenix
95
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 18.5% cheaper
Phoenix
108
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Phoenix, AZ Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index1001044.0% more
Housing10611811.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,280$1,300~Same
Median Home Price$370,000$430,00016.2% more
Groceries9898~Same
Transportation101983.0% less
Healthcare9596~Same
Utilities1088818.5% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Phoenix, AZ Boise, ID
State Income Tax2.50%5.80%
State Sales Tax5.60%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.51%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Phoenix, AZ
$68,000
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 Phoenix lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Phoenix (100) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Phoenix3.9%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Phoenix3.3%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
PhoenixTech, Healthcare, Finance
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Phoenix27 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Phoenix38
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Phoenix58
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Phoenix75°F
Boise52°F
Population
Phoenix1,624,569
Boise235,684

Moving from Phoenix to Boise?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Phoenix 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phoenix or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Phoenix is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 11.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Phoenix vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,280/month in Phoenix and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $20 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Phoenix or Boise?+
Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Phoenix to Boise?+
Median household income in Phoenix is $68,000 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 Phoenix vs Boise?+
The median home price in Phoenix is $370,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while Idaho averages 0.58%.