Median rent is 8% lower in Baltimore ($1,331/mo vs $1,446/mo). Buying is cheaper in Baltimore, where the median home runs $229,600 versus $484,800. Households earn more in Boise City ($83,904 vs $62,177 a year). Taken together, Boise City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 89.4 against 103.2 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boise City, ID.
Cost of living verdict
Boise City is 13% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 89.4 in Boise City vs 103.2 in Baltimore (US national average = 100)
City A
Baltimore, MD
City B
Boise City, ID
How much would you need to earn in Boise City, ID to maintain your standard of living from Baltimore, MD?
Equivalent salary in Boise City, ID
$64,948
You could earn $10,052 less (13% 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
Baltimore
Maryland
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Baltimore at $1,331/mo compared to $1,446/mo in Boise City (8% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Boise City: the median home is $484,800 versus $229,600 in Baltimore — 53% 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.
Baltimore
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Boise City
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Baltimore has cleaner air on average: 25.0 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 103.2).
Pick Boise City if you prioritize higher median household income ($83,904/yr).
Pick Baltimore if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 25.0).
Is Baltimore cheaper than Boise City?
Boise City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 89.4 versus 103.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Boise City.
How much is rent in Baltimore vs Boise City?
Median rent is $1,331/mo in Baltimore, MD and $1,446/mo in Boise City, ID. Baltimore, MD has the lower rent by about 8%.
Which has higher salaries — Baltimore or Boise City?
Median household income is $62,177 in Baltimore, MD and $83,904 in Boise City, ID. Boise City, ID 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?
Baltimore, MD has better air quality on average: 25.0 AQI versus 36.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Baltimore 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 Baltimore income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Baltimore, MD is equivalent to roughly $86,597 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
