Median rent is 3% lower in Boise City ($1,359/mo vs $1,404/mo). Buying is cheaper in Hoover, where the median home runs $391,300 versus $456,000. Households earn more in Hoover ($107,822 vs $81,308 a year). Taken together, Hoover 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 Hoover, AL.
City A
Boise City, ID
City B
Hoover, AL
How much would you need to earn in Hoover, AL to maintain your standard of living from Boise City, ID?
Equivalent salary in Hoover, AL
$74,974
You could earn $26 less (0% 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
Boise City
Idaho
Hoover
Alabama
👥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 $1,404/mo in Hoover. Median home values are within 14% of each other: $456,000 in Boise City and $391,300 in Hoover.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Idaho's top income tax rate is 5.80% versus 5.00% in Alabama, so Hoover is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Idaho and 4.00% in Alabama; Hoover has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Boise City
Income tax: 5.80%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Hoover
Income tax: 5.00%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for Boise City (avg AQI 24.0) but not yet for Hoover.
Pick Hoover if you prioritize higher median household income ($107,822/yr).
Pick Hoover if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.00%).
Is Boise City cheaper than Hoover?
Hoover 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 Hoover.
How much is rent in Boise City vs Hoover?
Median rent is $1,359/mo in Boise City, ID and $1,404/mo in Hoover, AL. Boise City, ID has the lower rent by about 3%.
Which has higher salaries — Boise City or Hoover?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise City, ID and $107,822 in Hoover, AL. Hoover, AL 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Boise City or Hoover?
Idaho's top income tax rate is 5.80% and Alabama's is 5.00%. Hoover, AL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Hoover 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 $99,966 in Hoover, AL (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