Is Boise City, ID cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Boise City, ID is 3.6% cheaper than Denver, CO. This translates to saving $273 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $146,727.273 in Boise City, ID to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boise City, ID is 8.0% cheaper than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,400/month in Boise City, ID compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

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

Moving from Denver, CO to Boise City, ID could save you approximately $273 per month, or $3273 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Denver, CO vs Boise City, ID: 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 Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $273/month moving to Boise City, ID

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.7K in Boise City, ID

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↓ 3.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$273

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$513K

Boise City, ID

Population:235K

Cost Index:

(4% below avg)

Median Home:$504K

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

Boise City, ID

The Gem State

235K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Idaho, this city has a population of 235K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Denver, CO vs Boise City, ID

Category	Denver, CO	Boise City, ID	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,248/mo	$2,989/mo	↓ $260less	8.0%
Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,325/mo	↓ $137less	9.3%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$979/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.9%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$486/mo	↓ $32.79less	6.3%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$644/mo	↑ $12.39more	2.0%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,774/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 8.0%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Boise City, ID

$2,989

Difference

$260

less

Transportation

↓ 9.3%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Boise City, ID

$1,325

Difference

$137

less

Groceries

↓ 4.9%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Boise City, ID

$979

Difference

$49.96

less

All Utilities

↓ 6.3%

Denver, CO

$519

Boise City, ID

$486

Difference

$32.79

less

Healthcare

↑ 2.0%

Denver, CO

$632

Boise City, ID

$644

Difference

$12.39

Other

→ 0.0%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Boise City, ID

$1,774

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Boise City, 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$1,720

To$950

↓ $770

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,100

↓ $740

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$1,400

↓ $790

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$1,950

↓ $920

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.

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$8,198

Monthly in Boise City, ID

$467

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Boise City

$513K

Median Value

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

$352K - $933K

Price Range

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

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$803

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.4%

Rate difference

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

Boise City, 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

Additional Tax Information

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Boise City, ID Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:0.7%

💡 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.