Home › Compare › Virginia Beach, VA vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA 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.

2.0% Boise, ID is more expensive overall
9.3% 9.3% more expensive housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 9.3% more
Virginia Beach
108
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Virginia Beach
99
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Virginia Beach
100
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Virginia Beach
98
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 12.0% cheaper
Virginia Beach
100
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Virginia Beach, VA Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index102104~Same
Housing1081189.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,3003.7% less
Median Home Price$340,000$430,00026.5% more
Groceries9998~Same
Transportation10098~Same
Healthcare9896~Same
Utilities1008812.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Virginia Beach, VA Boise, ID
State Income Tax5.75% (top)5.80%
State Sales Tax5.30%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.74%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Virginia Beach, VA
$76,000
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 Virginia Beach lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Virginia Beach (102) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Virginia Beach3.5%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Virginia Beach2.3%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Virginia Beach25 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Virginia Beach22
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Virginia Beach34
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Virginia Beach60°F
Boise52°F
Population
Virginia Beach459,470
Boise235,684

Moving from Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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

Virginia Beach vs Austin → Virginia Beach vs Denver → Virginia Beach vs Nashville → Boise vs Raleigh → Boise vs Portland → Boise vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Virginia Beach or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Virginia Beach is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 9.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Virginia Beach vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Virginia Beach and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Virginia Beach or Boise?+
Virginia has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 5.30%. 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 Virginia Beach to Boise?+
Median household income in Virginia Beach is $76,000 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 Virginia Beach vs Boise?+
The median home price in Virginia Beach is $340,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $90,000. Property tax rates also differ: Virginia averages 0.74% while Idaho averages 0.58%.