Median rent is 21% lower in Tucson ($1,079/mo vs $1,359/mo). Buying is cheaper in Tucson, where the median home runs $242,200 versus $456,000. Households earn more in Boise City ($81,308 vs $54,546 a year). Taken together, Tucson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 90.6 against 91.1 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boise City, ID.
Quick verdict
Tucson is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 90.6 in Tucson vs 91.1 in Boise City (US average = 100)
City A
Boise City, ID
City B
Tucson, AZ
How much would you need to earn in Tucson, AZ to maintain your standard of living from Boise City, ID?
Equivalent salary in Tucson, AZ
$74,587
You could earn $413 less (1% 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
Tucson
Arizona
👥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 Tucson — median rent of $1,079/mo versus $1,359/mo in Boise City, a 21% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Boise City: the median home is $456,000 versus $242,200 in Tucson — 47% 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 2.50% in Arizona, so Tucson is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Idaho and 5.60% in Arizona; Tucson has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Boise City
Income tax: 5.80%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Tucson
Income tax: 2.50%
Sales tax: 5.60%
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 Tucson if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,079/mo median).
Pick Boise City if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 24.0).
Pick Tucson if you prioritize lower state income tax (2.50%).
Is Boise City cheaper than Tucson?
Tucson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 90.6 versus 91.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Tucson.
How much is rent in Boise City vs Tucson?
Median rent is $1,359/mo in Boise City, ID and $1,079/mo in Tucson, AZ. Tucson, AZ has the lower rent by about 21%.
Which has higher salaries — Boise City or Tucson?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise City, ID and $54,546 in Tucson, AZ. 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 — Boise City or Tucson?
Idaho's top income tax rate is 5.80% and Arizona's is 2.50%. Tucson, AZ has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Tucson 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 $99,450 in Tucson, AZ (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