Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Boise, ID?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 8.5% cheaper than Boise, ID. This translates to saving $637 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Boise, ID?

If you earn $150,000 in Boise, ID, you'd need approximately $142,358.491 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boise, ID and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 17.4% cheaper than in Boise, ID. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,660/month in Boise, ID.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boise, ID to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Boise, ID to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $637 per month, or $7642 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boise, ID vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $637/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.4K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 8.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$637

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.6K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:92

Median Home:$512K

Boise, ID

The Gem State

236K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boise, ID vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Boise, ID	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,989/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $520less	17.4%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $66.96less	3.8%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$546/mo	↑ $60.11more	12.4%
🏥Healthcare	$644/mo	$601/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,325/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $40.98less	3.1%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$959/mo	↓ $19.99less	2.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 17.4%

Boise, ID

$2,989

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$520

less

📦Other

↓ 3.8%

Boise, ID

$1,774

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$66.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.4%

Boise, ID

$486

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$60.11

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.7%

Boise, ID

$644

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$43.37

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 3.1%

Boise, ID

$1,325

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$40.98

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.0%

Boise, ID

$979

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$19.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,170

To$1,570

↑ $400

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,640

↑ $250

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,800

↑ $140

3 Bed

From$2,320

To$2,255

↓ $65.00

Boise, IDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,390–$1,880/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$631

Difference

Home Values

Boise

Raleigh

$504K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +1.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +24.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$413K - $779K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 2% more expensive than Boise

Calculate payment - Boise Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $9.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$760

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.1%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Boise, ID Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:0.7%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.