Home › Compare › Portland, OR vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Portland, OR 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.

8.8% Boise, ID is cheaper overall
14.5% 14.5% cheaper housing
4.9% 4.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 14.5% cheaper
Portland
138
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 4.9% cheaper
Portland
103
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 9.3% cheaper
Portland
108
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 10.3% cheaper
Portland
107
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Portland
88
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index1141048.8% less
Housing13811814.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,30016.1% less
Median Home Price$485,000$430,00011.3% less
Groceries103984.9% less
Transportation108989.3% less
Healthcare1079610.3% less
Utilities8888~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Boise, ID
State Income Tax8.75% (top)5.80%
State Sales TaxNone (0%)6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
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 Portland lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Boise52°F
Population
Portland652,503
Boise235,684

Moving from Portland 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 Portland 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland 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 14.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Boise?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). 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 Portland to Boise?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 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 Portland vs Boise?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Idaho averages 0.58%.