Median rent is 2% lower in Boise City ($1,359/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $456,000. Households earn more in Boise City ($81,308 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Boise City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.1 against 105.7 — about 14% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boise City, ID.
Quick verdict
Boise City is 14% cheaper overall
Cost index: 91.1 in Boise City vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Boise City, ID
City B
Chicago, IL
How much would you need to earn in Chicago, IL to maintain your standard of living from Boise City, ID?
Equivalent salary in Chicago, IL
$87,065
You'd need $12,065 more (16% 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
Boise City
Idaho
Chicago
Illinois
👥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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,359/mo in Boise City and $1,380/mo in Chicago. Home buyers face a steeper market in Boise City: the median home is $456,000 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 31% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Idaho's top income tax rate is 5.80% versus 4.95% in Illinois, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Idaho and 6.25% in Illinois; Boise City has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Boise City
Income tax: 5.80%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 24.0 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 105.7).
Pick Boise City if you prioritize higher median household income ($81,308/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Boise City cheaper than Chicago?
Boise City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.1 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 14% lower in Boise City.
How much is rent in Boise City vs Chicago?
Median rent is $1,359/mo in Boise City, ID and $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL. Boise City, ID has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Boise City or Chicago?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise City, ID and $75,134 in Chicago, IL. 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?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 24.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Boise City or Chicago?
Idaho's top income tax rate is 5.80% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Boise City income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Boise City, ID is equivalent to roughly $116,086 in Chicago, IL (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