Baltimore vs Boise: cost of living compared
Boise is 14% cheaper than Baltimore overall.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Boise generally presents a noticeably lower overall cost of living compared to Baltimore. While housing costs are a significant factor in both metros, Baltimore's higher expenses across most categories, including transportation, food, and utilities, contribute to its elevated overall index. This suggests that daily expenses and services in Baltimore are typically more expensive, making Boise the more budget-friendly option for many household budgets when considering the broader picture of expenditures.
Housing
When it comes to housing, Baltimore offers a lower median home price, making homeownership potentially more accessible initially. However, median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is roughly similar in both cities, with Baltimore being slightly higher. Boise's housing index is higher, indicating that while home prices are greater, other housing-related costs like property taxes or insurance might be a larger component of the overall housing expense there, despite the higher purchase price.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily spending will differ, with Baltimore having a state income tax to consider, unlike Idaho which also has one, but the rates differ. Transportation costs are noticeably higher in Baltimore, while Boise offers significantly cheaper options for getting around. Food, healthcare, and utilities are all more expensive in Baltimore, making everyday necessities generally more affordable in Boise. This means a household budget for routine expenses stretches further in Boise.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Movers will find distinct lifestyle differences. Baltimore, a historic East Coast city, offers a more urban, dense environment with a humid subtropical climate and proximity to the Atlantic. Public transit is more established. Boise, in the high desert, features a drier climate with four distinct seasons and a more spread-out, less dense feel. Commute times are notably shorter in Boise, suggesting a different pace of life and easier local travel.
Bottom line
Moving between these metros involves a clear financial trade-off. Baltimore generally means higher overall expenses, driven by nearly all categories, despite a lower median home purchase price. Boise offers a more affordable overall cost of living, with significantly lower transportation, food, and utility costs, though home prices are higher. A household's budget will likely stretch further in Boise for everyday needs, while Baltimore might appeal to those prioritizing its specific urban character and East Coast location.
| Measure | Baltimore, MD | Boise, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 102 |
| Housing index | 100 | 110 |
| Transportation index | 118 | 82 |
| Food index | 105 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 88 |
| Misc index | 105 | 90 |
| Median home price | $348,000 | $418,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,450/mo |
| Average commute | 33 min | 22 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Boise home with the True Cost Calculator.