Median rent is 20% lower in Oklahoma City ($1,083/mo vs $1,359/mo). Buying is cheaper in Oklahoma City, where the median home runs $215,100 versus $456,000. Households earn more in Boise City ($81,308 vs $66,702 a year). Taken together, Boise City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.1 against 91.4 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boise City, ID.
City A
Boise City, ID
City B
Oklahoma City, OK
How much would you need to earn in Oklahoma City, OK to maintain your standard of living from Boise City, ID?
Equivalent salary in Oklahoma City, OK
$75,241
You'd need $241 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
Boise City
Idaho
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma
👥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 rent is modestly lower in Oklahoma City at $1,083/mo compared to $1,359/mo in Boise City (20% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Boise City: the median home is $456,000 versus $215,100 in Oklahoma City — 53% 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 4.75% in Oklahoma, so Oklahoma City is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Idaho and 4.50% in Oklahoma; Oklahoma City has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Boise City
Income tax: 5.80%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Oklahoma City
Income tax: 4.75%
Sales tax: 4.50%
Boise City has cleaner air on average: 24.0 AQI (Good) compared to 51.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Boise City if you prioritize higher median household income ($81,308/yr).
Pick Oklahoma City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,083/mo median).
Pick Boise City if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 24.0).
Pick Oklahoma City if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.75%).
Is Boise City cheaper than Oklahoma City?
Boise City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.1 versus 91.4 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Boise City.
How much is rent in Boise City vs Oklahoma City?
Median rent is $1,359/mo in Boise City, ID and $1,083/mo in Oklahoma City, OK. Oklahoma City, OK has the lower rent by about 20%.
Which has higher salaries — Boise City or Oklahoma City?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise City, ID and $66,702 in Oklahoma City, OK. 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 51.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Boise City or Oklahoma City?
Idaho's top income tax rate is 5.80% and Oklahoma's is 4.75%. Oklahoma City, OK has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Oklahoma City 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 $100,322 in Oklahoma City, OK (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