Boise vs Chicago: cost of living compared
Chicago is 16% more expensive than Boise 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
Overall, the cost of living in Chicago is noticeably higher than in Boise. While housing costs are a significant factor in Boise's overall index, Chicago's higher expenses across many other categories, particularly transportation and miscellaneous goods and services, drive its higher total. A move from Boise to Chicago generally means a substantial increase in overall expenses, whereas moving from Chicago to Boise would likely result in a noticeable reduction in your household budget.
Housing
Boise's median home prices are considerably higher than Chicago's, making homeownership a larger initial investment in the Idaho capital. However, median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is somewhat lower in Boise. Chicago, a major urban center, offers a wider variety of housing types, from high-rise apartments to historic brownstones, often with higher property taxes and insurance costs compared to Boise's more suburban-style housing stock. Renters might find Chicago's monthly payments slightly steeper.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses differ significantly between the two cities. Chicago has a state income tax, which Boise does not. Transportation costs are much higher in Chicago, reflecting its extensive public transit system and urban driving conditions, while Boise's transportation expenses are considerably lower. Food, healthcare, and utilities are all somewhat more expensive in Chicago, contributing to a consistently higher cost for everyday necessities compared to Boise.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Moving between these metros means a shift in climate and pace. Boise offers a high desert climate with four distinct seasons, including snowy winters and hot, dry summers, and a generally more relaxed, outdoor-oriented lifestyle. Chicago, a dense metropolis, experiences cold, snowy winters and humid summers, with a faster urban pace and extensive public transportation. Commute times are also noticeably longer in Chicago, reflecting its larger scale and traffic.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, Chicago represents a significantly higher cost of living across most categories, especially when factoring in its state income tax, higher transportation expenses, and elevated costs for daily goods and services. While Boise's home prices are higher, its lower costs for everyday essentials and lack of state income tax mean that a household budget will generally stretch further there. The decision hinges on prioritizing urban amenities and public transit versus a lower overall financial outlay.
| Measure | Boise, ID | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 118 |
| Housing index | 110 | 97 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 121 |
| Food index | 95 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 88 | 102 |
| Misc index | 90 | 108 |
| Median home price | $418,000 | $318,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 22 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Chicago home with the True Cost Calculator.