Is Austin, TX cheaper than Boise, ID?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 2.8% cheaper than Boise, ID. This translates to saving $212 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Boise, ID?

If you earn $150,000 in Boise, ID, you'd need approximately $147,452.83 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boise, ID and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 3.5% cheaper than in Boise, ID. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,660/month in Boise, ID.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boise, ID to Austin, TX?

Moving from Boise, ID to Austin, TX could save you approximately $212 per month, or $2547 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boise, ID vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boise, ID

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $212/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.5K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boise City, ID area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$212

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Boise, ID

Population:236K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$504K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$558K

Boise, ID

The Gem State

236K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Idaho, this city has a population of 236K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boise, ID vs Austin, TX

Category	Boise, ID	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,989/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $104less	3.5%
🏥Healthcare	$644/mo	$589/mo	↓ $55.76less	8.7%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$541/mo	↑ $54.64more	11.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,325/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $40.98less	3.1%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $33.48less	1.9%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$959/mo	↓ $19.99less	2.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 3.5%

Boise, ID

$2,989

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$104

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 8.7%

Boise, ID

$644

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$55.76

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.2%

Boise, ID

$486

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$54.64

🚗Transportation

↓ 3.1%

Boise, ID

$1,325

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$40.98

less

📦Other

↓ 1.9%

Boise, ID

$1,774

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$33.48

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.0%

Boise, ID

$979

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$19.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,170

To$1,585

↑ $415

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,685

↑ $295

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,995

↑ $335

3 Bed

From$2,320

To$2,525

↑ $205

Boise, IDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,390–$1,880/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,198

Monthly in Boise, ID

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$200

Difference

Home Values

Boise

Austin

$504K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +1.6%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +24.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$413K - $779K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 11% more expensive than Boise

Calculate payment - Boise Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $16.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$1,353

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

10.8%

Rate difference

Boise, ID

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Idaho State Tax

Effective: 10.8%

$16.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.5%

$53.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,062/month

$96.7K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Boise, ID Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:0.7%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.