Home › Compare › Seattle, WA vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

16.1% Boise, ID is cheaper overall
24.4% 24.4% cheaper housing
9.3% 9.3% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 24.4% cheaper
Seattle
156
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 9.3% cheaper
Seattle
108
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 16.9% cheaper
Seattle
118
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 12.7% cheaper
Seattle
110
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 3.3% cheaper
Seattle
91
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index12410416.1% less
Housing15611824.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,30036.6% less
Median Home Price$780,000$430,00044.9% less
Groceries108989.3% less
Transportation1189816.9% less
Healthcare1109612.7% less
Utilities91883.3% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Boise, ID
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.80%
State Sales Tax6.50%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Boise52°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Boise235,684

Moving from Seattle to Boise?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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 Seattle 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 24.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $750 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Boise?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Boise?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Boise?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $350,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Idaho averages 0.58%.