Birmingham vs Boise: cost of living compared
Boise is 31% more expensive than Birmingham 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
Birmingham offers a noticeably lower overall cost of living compared to Boise. The most significant difference stems from housing expenses, which are substantially higher in Boise. While some other categories like transportation are somewhat similar, the substantial gap in housing costs largely drives the overall affordability advantage for Birmingham.
Housing
Housing costs present a stark contrast between these two metros. Both buying a home and renting a one-bedroom apartment are considerably more expensive in Boise. Birmingham's housing market is much more accessible, with home prices and rents at a significantly lower level. This difference in housing affordability is a major factor for anyone considering a move.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also show differences. Birmingham generally has lower costs for food, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services. Transportation costs are roughly similar, though Boise's average commute is slightly shorter. Alabama has a state income tax, which is a factor to consider, whereas Idaho's income tax situation is not provided for comparison.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, these metros offer different environments. Birmingham, in the Southeast, experiences a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters, and is susceptible to severe weather. Boise, in the high desert of the Pacific Northwest, has a drier climate with four distinct seasons, including colder winters and warmer summers. Both are car-dependent, with similar average commute times.
Bottom line
Moving from Birmingham to Boise would likely mean a significant increase in overall household expenses, primarily driven by the much higher cost of housing. Conversely, a move to Birmingham would offer substantial savings on housing and many everyday necessities. The decision hinges on whether the lifestyle and amenities of each metro outweigh the considerable financial differences, especially concerning housing.
| Measure | Birmingham, AL | Boise, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 78 | 102 |
| Housing index | 58 | 110 |
| Transportation index | 88 | 82 |
| Food index | 85 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 88 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 92 | 88 |
| Misc index | 75 | 90 |
| Median home price | $198,000 | $418,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $925/mo | $1,450/mo |
| Average commute | 25 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.