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

Based on cost of living data, Boise, ID is 6.3% more expensive than Salt Lake City, UT. This translates to spending an extra $470 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Salt Lake City, UT, you'd need approximately $155,644.222 in Boise, ID to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boise, ID is 18.1% more expensive than in Salt Lake City, UT. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Boise, ID compared to $1,400/month in Salt Lake City, UT.

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

Living in Boise, ID costs approximately $470 more per month than Salt Lake City, UT, or $5644 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Salt Lake City, UT

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $470/month more in Boise, ID

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.6K in Boise, ID

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Salt Lake City, UT area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$470

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.6K

Per year

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

Salt Lake City, UT

Population:210K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$518K

Boise, ID

Population:236K

Cost Index:

106

(6% above avg)

Median Home:$504K

Salt Lake City, UT

The Beehive State

210K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Boise, ID

The Gem State

236K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

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

Category	Salt Lake City, UT	Boise, ID	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,531/mo	$2,989/mo	↑ $458more	18.1%
Other	$1,670/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $105more	6.3%
Transportation	$1,247/mo	$1,325/mo	↑ $78.19more	6.3%
Groceries	$950/mo	$979/mo	↑ $29.33more	3.1%
Healthcare	$625/mo	$644/mo	↑ $19.30more	3.1%
All Utilities	$472/mo	$486/mo	↑ $14.57more	3.1%

Housing

↑ 18.1%

Salt Lake City, UT

$2,531

Boise, ID

$2,989

Difference

$458

Other

↑ 6.3%

Salt Lake City, UT

$1,670

Boise, ID

$1,774

Difference

$105

Transportation

↑ 6.3%

Salt Lake City, UT

$1,247

Boise, ID

$1,325

Difference

$78.19

Groceries

↑ 3.1%

Salt Lake City, UT

$950

Boise, ID

$979

Difference

$29.33

Healthcare

↑ 3.1%

Salt Lake City, UT

$625

Boise, ID

$644

Difference

$19.30

All Utilities

↑ 3.1%

Salt Lake City, UT

$472

Boise, ID

$486

Difference

$14.57

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,008

To$1,170

↑ $162

1 Bed

From$1,168

To$1,390

↑ $222

2 Bed

From$1,400

To$1,660

↑ $260

3 Bed

From$1,872

To$2,320

↑ $448

Salt Lake City, UTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,310–$1,820/mo

Boise, IDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,390–$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.

$7,494

Monthly in Salt Lake City, UT

$8,198

Monthly in Boise, ID

$704

Difference

Home Values

Salt Lake City

Boise

$518K

Median Value

$504K

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↑ +1.6%

↑ +30.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +24.7%

$400K - $902K

Price Range

$413K - $779K

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

Calculate payment - Salt Lake City Calculate payment - Boise

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $9.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$747

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.0%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Salt Lake City, UT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

Boise, 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.