Boise vs Columbus: cost of living compared
Columbus is 12% 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
Moving between Boise and Columbus presents a noticeable difference in overall cost of living. Columbus generally offers a more affordable environment compared to Boise, which sits slightly above the national average. This disparity is primarily driven by the significant difference in housing costs, making it the most impactful factor when considering a relocation between these two cities.
Housing
Housing costs represent a substantial gap, with both purchasing a home and renting an apartment being considerably more expensive in Boise than in Columbus. Columbus offers a more accessible housing market for both buyers and renters. While specific ownership costs like property taxes and insurance vary, the initial investment for a home or the monthly rent for a typical one-bedroom unit is much higher in Boise.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also show some variation. Columbus has a state income tax, which Boise does not, impacting take-home pay. Food costs are slightly lower in Columbus, while transportation expenses are a bit higher there. Utilities are noticeably more affordable in Boise. Healthcare costs are roughly similar in both metros, sitting below the national average, and miscellaneous expenses are slightly less in Columbus.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move involves lifestyle changes. Boise offers a high desert climate with distinct seasons and easy access to outdoor recreation, often feeling less dense. Columbus, situated in the Midwest, experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons and generally has a more urban feel. Both cities offer varied transportation options, though Boise's average commute is slightly shorter.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Columbus generally presents a more budget-friendly option, largely due to its significantly lower housing expenses. While Boise offers some savings in utilities, the overall cost of living, particularly for shelter, makes Columbus the more affordable choice. The absence of a state income tax in Boise is a notable financial advantage, but it may not fully offset the higher housing burden.
| Measure | Boise, ID | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 90 |
| Housing index | 110 | 71 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 86 |
| Food index | 95 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 88 | 98 |
| Misc index | 90 | 88 |
| Median home price | $418,000 | $248,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,100/mo |
| Average commute | 22 min | 24 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Columbus home with the True Cost Calculator.