Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Boise, ID?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 62.3% more expensive than Boise, ID. This translates to spending an extra $4670 per month.

What salary do I need in Seattle, WA to live like I do in Boise, ID?

If you earn $150,000 in Boise, ID, you'd need approximately $206,037.736 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boise, ID and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 152.2% more expensive than in Boise, ID. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $1,660/month in Boise, ID.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boise, ID to Seattle, WA?

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $4670 more per month than Boise, ID, or $56038 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boise, ID vs Seattle, WA: 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 spend $4.7K/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $206.0K in Seattle, WA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 62.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,670

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$56.0K

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

162

(62% above avg)

Median Home:$808K

Boise, ID

The Gem State

236K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boise, ID vs Seattle, WA

Category	Boise, ID	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,989/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $4,548more	152.2%
Transportation	$1,325/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $574more	43.3%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $201more	11.3%
Healthcare	$644/mo	$824/mo	↑ $180more	27.9%
Groceries	$979/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $99.93more	10.2%
All Utilities	$486/mo	$481/mo	↓ $5.46less	1.1%

Housing

↑ 152.2%

Boise, ID

$2,989

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$4,548

Transportation

↑ 43.3%

Boise, ID

$1,325

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$574

Other

↑ 11.3%

Boise, ID

$1,774

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$201

Healthcare

↑ 27.9%

Boise, ID

$644

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$180

Groceries

↑ 10.2%

Boise, ID

$979

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$99.93

All Utilities

↓ 1.1%

Boise, ID

$486

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$5.46

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,170

To$2,180

↑ $1,010

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$2,260

↑ $870

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$2,630

↑ $970

3 Bed

From$2,320

To$3,440

↑ $1,120

Boise, IDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,390–$1,880/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$5,597

Difference

Home Values

Boise

Seattle

$504K

Median Value

$808K

↑ +1.6%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +24.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$413K - $779K

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 60% more expensive than Boise

Calculate payment - Boise Calculate payment - Seattle

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

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington 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%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.