Home › Compare › Washington, DC vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Washington, DC 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.

20.0% Boise, ID is cheaper overall
27.2% 27.2% 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 27.2% cheaper
Washington
162
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 9.3% cheaper
Washington
108
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 19.7% cheaper
Washington
122
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 12.7% cheaper
Washington
110
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 16.2% cheaper
Washington
105
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Washington, DC Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index13010420.0% less
Housing16211827.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,200$1,30040.9% less
Median Home Price$620,000$430,00030.6% less
Groceries108989.3% less
Transportation1229819.7% less
Healthcare1109612.7% less
Utilities1058816.2% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Washington, DC Boise, ID
State Income Tax10.75% (top)5.80%
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Washington, DC
$105,000
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 Washington lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Washington (130) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Washington4.2%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Washington2.4%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Washington34 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Washington77
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Washington42
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Washington57°F
Boise52°F
Population
Washington689,545
Boise235,684

Moving from Washington to Boise?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Washington 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 Washington 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 27.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Washington vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,200/month in Washington and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $900 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Washington or Boise?+
District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) 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 Washington to Boise?+
Median household income in Washington is $105,000 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 Washington vs Boise?+
The median home price in Washington is $620,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $190,000. Property tax rates also differ: District of Columbia averages 0.56% while Idaho averages 0.58%.