Home › Compare › Raleigh, NC vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

6.1% Boise, ID is more expensive overall
13.5% 13.5% more expensive housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 13.5% more
Raleigh
104
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Raleigh
97
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 2.1% more
Raleigh
96
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 4.0% cheaper
Raleigh
100
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 10.2% cheaper
Raleigh
98
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index981046.1% more
Housing10411813.5% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,3003.7% less
Median Home Price$385,000$430,00011.7% more
Groceries9798~Same
Transportation96982.1% more
Healthcare100964.0% less
Utilities988810.2% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Boise, ID
State Income Tax4.50%5.80%
State Sales Tax4.75%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
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 Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Boise52°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Boise235,684

Moving from Raleigh to Boise?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 13.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Boise?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to Boise?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs Boise?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $45,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Idaho averages 0.58%.