Home › Compare › Tucson, AZ vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Tucson, 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.

14.3% Boise, ID is more expensive overall
40.5% 40.5% more expensive housing
2.1% 2.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 40.5% more
Tucson
84
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Tucson
96
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 2.1% more
Tucson
96
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 4.3% more
Tucson
92
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 15.4% cheaper
Tucson
104
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tucson, AZ Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index9110414.3% more
Housing8411840.5% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,000$1,30030.0% more
Median Home Price$270,000$430,00059.3% more
Groceries96982.1% more
Transportation96982.1% more
Healthcare92964.3% more
Utilities1048815.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tucson, 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

Tucson, AZ
$52,000
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 Tucson lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Tucson (91) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tucson4.6%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tucson2.1%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tucson23 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Tucson41
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Tucson48
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Tucson70°F
Boise52°F
Population
Tucson542,629
Boise235,684

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Tucson 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tucson or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Tucson is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 40.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Tucson vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,000/month in Tucson and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tucson 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 Tucson to Boise?+
Median household income in Tucson is $52,000 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 Tucson vs Boise?+
The median home price in Tucson is $270,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $160,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while Idaho averages 0.58%.