Home › Compare › Tampa, FL vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Tampa, FL 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.

3.0% Boise, ID is more expensive overall
7.3% 7.3% more expensive housing
2.0% 2.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 7.3% more
Tampa
110
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Tampa
100
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Tampa
100
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Tampa
95
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 14.6% cheaper
Tampa
103
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index1011043.0% more
Housing1101187.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,30010.3% less
Median Home Price$365,000$430,00017.8% more
Groceries10098~Same
Transportation10098~Same
Healthcare9596~Same
Utilities1038814.6% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Boise, ID
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.80%
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Tampa, FL
$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 Tampa lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Boise52°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Boise235,684

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Tampa 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 Tampa or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Tampa 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 Tampa vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Boise?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Tampa to Boise?+
Median household income in Tampa 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 Tampa vs Boise?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $65,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Idaho averages 0.58%.