Median rent is 18% lower in Boise City ($1,359/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Boise City, where the median home runs $456,000 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $81,308 a year). Taken together, Boise City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.1 against 98.8 — about 8% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Boise City is 8% cheaper overall
Cost index: 91.1 in Boise City vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Boise City, ID
How much would you need to earn in Boise City, ID to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Boise City, ID
$69,116
You could earn $5,884 less (8% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
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: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Boise City at $1,359/mo compared to $1,655/mo in Austin (18% gap). Median home values are within 11% of each other: $512,700 in Austin and $456,000 in Boise City.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Idaho tops out at 5.80% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.00% in Idaho; Boise City has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Boise City
Income tax: 5.80%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Boise City has cleaner air on average: 24.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Boise City if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.1 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Boise City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,359/mo median).
Pick Boise City if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 24.0).
Is Austin cheaper than Boise City?
Boise City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.1 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 8% lower in Boise City.
How much is rent in Austin vs Boise City?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,359/mo in Boise City, ID. Boise City, ID has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Boise City?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $81,308 in Boise City, ID. Austin, TX 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?
Boise City, ID has better air quality on average: 24.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Boise City?
Texas has no state income tax. Idaho has a top rate of 5.80%.
What salary do I need in Boise City to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $92,155 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, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology