Is Salt Lake City, UT cheaper than Boise, ID?

Based on cost of living data, Salt Lake City, UT is 5.9% cheaper than Boise, ID. This translates to saving $443 per month.

What salary do I need in Salt Lake City, UT to live like I do in Boise, ID?

If you earn $150,000 in Boise, ID, you'd need approximately $144,688.859 in Salt Lake City, UT to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boise, ID and Salt Lake City, UT?

Housing in Salt Lake City, UT is 15.3% cheaper than in Boise, ID. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,400/month in Salt Lake City, UT compared to $1,660/month in Boise, ID.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boise, ID to Salt Lake City, UT?

Moving from Boise, ID to Salt Lake City, UT could save you approximately $443 per month, or $5311 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boise, ID vs Salt Lake City, UT: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Boise, ID

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $443/month moving to Salt Lake City, UT

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.7K in Salt Lake City, UT

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

Overall Cost

↓ 5.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$443

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.3K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$504K

Salt Lake City, UT

Population:210K

Cost Index:

(6% below avg)

Median Home:$518K

Boise, ID

The Gem State

236K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Salt Lake City, UT

The Beehive State

210K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Utah, this city has a population of 210K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boise, ID vs Salt Lake City, UT

Category	Boise, ID	Salt Lake City, UT	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,989/mo	$2,531/mo	↓ $458less	15.3%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,670/mo	↓ $105less	5.9%
Transportation	$1,325/mo	$1,247/mo	↓ $78.19less	5.9%
Groceries	$979/mo	$950/mo	↓ $29.33less	3.0%
Healthcare	$644/mo	$625/mo	↓ $19.30less	3.0%
All Utilities	$486/mo	$472/mo	↓ $14.57less	3.0%

Housing

↓ 15.3%

Boise, ID

$2,989

Salt Lake City, UT

$2,531

Difference

$458

less

Other

↓ 5.9%

Boise, ID

$1,774

Salt Lake City, UT

$1,670

Difference

$105

less

Transportation

↓ 5.9%

Boise, ID

$1,325

Salt Lake City, UT

$1,247

Difference

$78.19

less

Groceries

↓ 3.0%

Boise, ID

$979

Salt Lake City, UT

$950

Difference

$29.33

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.0%

Boise, ID

$644

Salt Lake City, UT

$625

Difference

$19.30

less

All Utilities

↓ 3.0%

Boise, ID

$486

Salt Lake City, UT

$472

Difference

$14.57

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,170

To$1,008

↓ $162

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,168

↓ $222

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,400

↓ $260

3 Bed

From$2,320

To$1,872

↓ $448

Boise, IDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,390–$1,880/mo

Salt Lake City, UTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,310–$1,820/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

$7,494

Monthly in Salt Lake City, UT

$704

Difference

Home Values

Boise

Salt Lake City

$504K

Median Value

$518K

↑ +1.6%

YoY Change

↑ +0.4%

↑ +24.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.4%

$413K - $779K

Price Range

$400K - $902K

Homes in Salt Lake City are 3% more expensive than Boise

Calculate payment - Boise Calculate payment - Salt Lake City

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $9.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$747

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.0%

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

Salt Lake City, UT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Utah State Tax

Effective: 4.9%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,809/month

$105.7K

Additional Tax Information

Boise, ID Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:0.7%

Salt Lake City, UT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

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.