Median rent is 24% lower in Boise City ($1,359/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Boise City, where the median home runs $456,000 versus $751,700. Households earn more in Boise City ($81,308 vs $79,713 a year). Taken together, Boise City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.1 against 113.0 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boise City, ID.
Quick verdict
Boise City is 19% cheaper overall
Cost index: 91.1 in Boise City vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Boise City, ID
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Boise City, ID?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$93,062
You'd need $18,062 more (24% 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
New York
New York
👥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 Boise City — median rent of $1,359/mo versus $1,779/mo in New York, a 24% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $456,000 in Boise City — 39% 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 10.90% in New York, so Boise City is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Idaho and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Boise City
Income tax: 5.80%
Sales tax: 6.00%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Boise City has cleaner air on average: 24.0 AQI (Good) compared to 61.0 AQI (Moderate) 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 113.0).
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).
Pick Boise City if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.80%).
Is Boise City cheaper than New York?
Boise City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.1 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Boise City.
How much is rent in Boise City vs New York?
Median rent is $1,359/mo in Boise City, ID and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Boise City, ID has the lower rent by about 24%.
Which has higher salaries — Boise City or New York?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise City, ID and $79,713 in New York, NY. 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 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Boise City or New York?
Idaho's top income tax rate is 5.80% and New York's is 10.90%. Boise City, ID has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York 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 $124,082 in New York, NY (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