Median rent is 23% lower in Birmingham ($1,047/mo vs $1,359/mo). Buying is cheaper in Birmingham, where the median home runs $138,600 versus $456,000. Households earn more in Boise City ($81,308 vs $44,376 a year). Taken together, Birmingham is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.0 against 91.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boise City, ID.
City A
Birmingham, AL
City B
Boise City, ID
How much would you need to earn in Boise City, ID to maintain your standard of living from Birmingham, AL?
Equivalent salary in Boise City, ID
$75,026
You'd need $26 more (0% higher).
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
Birmingham
Alabama
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Birmingham — median rent of $1,047/mo versus $1,359/mo in Boise City, a 23% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Boise City: the median home is $456,000 versus $138,600 in Birmingham — 70% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Alabama's top income tax rate is 5.00% versus 5.80% in Idaho, so Birmingham is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in Alabama and 6.00% in Idaho; Birmingham has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Birmingham
Income tax: 5.00%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Boise City
Income tax: 5.80%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Boise City has cleaner air on average: 24.0 AQI (Good) compared to 38.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Boise City if you prioritize higher median household income ($81,308/yr).
Pick Birmingham if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,047/mo median).
Pick Boise City if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 24.0).
Pick Birmingham if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.00%).
Is Birmingham cheaper than Boise City?
Birmingham is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.0 versus 91.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Birmingham.
How much is rent in Birmingham vs Boise City?
Median rent is $1,047/mo in Birmingham, AL and $1,359/mo in Boise City, ID. Birmingham, AL has the lower rent by about 23%.
Which has higher salaries — Birmingham or Boise City?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham, AL and $81,308 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?
Boise City, ID has better air quality on average: 24.0 AQI versus 38.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Birmingham or Boise City?
Alabama's top income tax rate is 5.00% and Idaho's is 5.80%. Birmingham, AL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Boise City to match my Birmingham income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Birmingham, AL is equivalent to roughly $100,034 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