Is Denver, CO cheaper than Boise, ID?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 3.8% more expensive than Boise, ID. This translates to spending an extra $283 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Boise, ID?

If you earn $150,000 in Boise, ID, you'd need approximately $153,396.226 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boise, ID and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 8.7% more expensive than in Boise, ID. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,660/month in Boise, ID.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boise, ID to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $283 more per month than Boise, ID, or $3396 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boise, ID vs Denver, CO: 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 spend $283/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.4K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 3.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$283

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.4K

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$513K

Boise, ID

The Gem State

236K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boise, ID vs Denver, CO

Category	Boise, ID	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,989/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $260more	8.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,325/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $137more	10.3%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $49.96more	5.1%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$519/mo	↑ $32.79more	6.7%
🏥Healthcare	$644/mo	$632/mo	↓ $12.39less	1.9%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,774/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 8.7%

Boise, ID

$2,989

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$260

🚗Transportation

↑ 10.3%

Boise, ID

$1,325

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$137

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.1%

Boise, ID

$979

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$49.96

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.7%

Boise, ID

$486

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$32.79

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.9%

Boise, ID

$644

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$12.39

less

📦Other

→ 0.0%

Boise, ID

$1,774

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Boise, ID has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,170

To$1,720

↑ $550

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,840

↑ $450

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$2,190

↑ $530

3 Bed

From$2,320

To$2,870

↑ $550

Boise, IDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,390–$1,880/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$467

Difference

Home Values

Boise

Denver

$504K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +1.6%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +24.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$413K - $779K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 2% more expensive than Boise

Calculate payment - Boise Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $9.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$803

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.4%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Boise, ID Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:0.7%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.