Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Boise, ID?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 2.6% cheaper than Boise, ID. This translates to saving $198 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Boise, ID?

If you earn $150,000 in Boise, ID, you'd need approximately $147,622.642 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boise, ID and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 6.7% cheaper than in Boise, ID. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,660/month in Boise, ID.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boise, ID to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Boise, ID to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $198 per month, or $2377 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boise, ID vs Phoenix, AZ: 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 $198/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.6K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$198

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.4K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$414K

Boise, ID

The Gem State

236K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boise, ID vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Boise, ID	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,989/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $200less	6.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,325/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $164more	12.4%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $97.09less	5.5%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$561/mo	↑ $74.86more	15.4%
🏥Healthcare	$644/mo	$589/mo	↓ $55.76less	8.7%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$963/mo	↓ $15.99less	1.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 6.7%

Boise, ID

$2,989

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$200

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 12.4%

Boise, ID

$1,325

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$164

📦Other

↓ 5.5%

Boise, ID

$1,774

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$97.09

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 15.4%

Boise, ID

$486

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$74.86

🏥Healthcare

↓ 8.7%

Boise, ID

$644

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$55.76

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.6%

Boise, ID

$979

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$15.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,170

To$1,390

↑ $220

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,510

↑ $120

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,750

↑ $90.00

3 Bed

From$2,320

To$2,330

↑ $10.00

Boise, IDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,390–$1,880/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$130

Difference

Home Values

Boise

Phoenix

$504K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +1.6%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +24.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$413K - $779K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 18% less expensive than Boise

Calculate payment - Boise Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $11.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$917

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.3%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Boise, ID Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:0.7%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.