Boise vs Cleveland: cost of living compared
Cleveland is 20% cheaper 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 Cleveland is noticeably more affordable than in Boise. This significant difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are substantially lower in Cleveland. While some categories show smaller variations, the cumulative effect of housing and other daily costs makes Cleveland a more budget-friendly option for many households.
Housing
Housing presents the most substantial cost difference, with both median home prices and typical rental rates for a one-bedroom unit being considerably lower in Cleveland compared to Boise. Cleveland's housing stock often includes a greater prevalence of older, established homes, while Boise has seen more recent development. Property taxes and insurance costs can also vary, impacting total ownership expenses.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services are generally more affordable in Cleveland. While Boise offers lower utility costs, Cleveland's lower prices in other categories, coupled with the presence of a state income tax in Ohio, contribute to a different financial landscape for everyday spending. Commute times are roughly similar, with Boise having a slightly shorter average.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Boise offers a high desert climate with distinct seasons, known for outdoor recreation in nearby mountains and rivers. Cleveland, situated on a Great Lake, experiences a four-season climate with colder winters and more humidity, and has a more established urban infrastructure with public transit options. Boise tends to feel less dense, while Cleveland offers a more traditional big-city feel with older, diverse neighborhoods.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Cleveland offers a much lower cost of living, predominantly due to significantly more affordable housing. While Boise provides savings in utilities and transportation, these are generally outweighed by Cleveland's lower costs across most other categories, including the impact of state income tax, resulting in a more economical overall household budget.
| Measure | Boise, ID | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 82 |
| Housing index | 110 | 57 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 91 |
| Food index | 95 | 90 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 88 | 98 |
| Misc index | 90 | 82 |
| Median home price | $418,000 | $188,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $950/mo |
| Average commute | 22 min | 26 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Cleveland home with the True Cost Calculator.