Median rent is 38% lower in Boise City ($1,446/mo vs $2,322/mo). Buying is cheaper in Boise City, where the median home runs $484,800 versus $895,000. Households earn more in Arlington ($142,114 vs $83,904 a year). Taken together, Boise City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 89.4 against 109.5 — about 18% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Arlington, VA.
Cost of living verdict
Boise City is 18% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 89.4 in Boise City vs 109.5 in Arlington (US national average = 100)
City A
Arlington, VA
City B
Boise City, ID
How much would you need to earn in Boise City, ID to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, VA?
Equivalent salary in Boise City, ID
$61,177
You could earn $13,823 less (18% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Arlington
Virginia
Boise City
Idaho
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Boise City — median rent of $1,446/mo versus $2,322/mo in Arlington, a 38% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Arlington: the median home is $895,000 versus $484,800 in Boise City — 46% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Arlington
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Boise City
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Arlington has cleaner air on average: 24.0 AQI (Good) compared to 36.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Boise City if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 89.4 vs 109.5).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize higher median household income ($142,114/yr).
Pick Boise City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,446/mo median).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 24.0).
Is Arlington cheaper than Boise City?
Boise City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 89.4 versus 109.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 18% lower in Boise City.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Boise City?
Median rent is $2,322/mo in Arlington, VA and $1,446/mo in Boise City, ID. Boise City, ID has the lower rent by about 38%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Boise City?
Median household income is $142,114 in Arlington, VA and $83,904 in Boise City, ID. Arlington, VA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Arlington, VA has better air quality on average: 24.0 AQI versus 36.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Boise City?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Boise City to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, VA is equivalent to roughly $81,570 in Boise City, ID (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
