Boise vs Denver: cost of living compared
Denver is 25% 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
Comparing Boise and Denver reveals a noticeable difference in overall cost of living, with Boise being the more budget-friendly option. The primary factor driving this disparity is housing, which is significantly more expensive in Denver. Beyond housing, nearly all other spending categories, including transportation, food, and healthcare, also contribute to Denver's higher overall cost, making Boise a generally more affordable place to live.
Housing
Both buying and renting are considerably more expensive in Denver than in Boise. Median home prices show a substantial gap, and one-bedroom rents follow a similar trend. Boise typically offers more suburban-style housing with a mix of newer constructions, while Denver presents a broader range from historic urban dwellings to modern developments. Property taxes and insurance costs, while not detailed, would also factor into the total cost of homeownership.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses differ notably between the two metros. Colorado has a state income tax, which Idaho does not, impacting take-home pay for Denver residents. Transportation costs, including fuel and vehicle maintenance, are lower in Boise. Groceries, healthcare services, and utility bills also tend to be more affordable in Boise, meaning everyday spending on essential goods and services will generally be higher in Denver.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are apparent. Boise offers a high desert climate with four distinct seasons and generally shorter average commute times, suggesting a somewhat less congested daily experience. Denver, situated at a higher elevation, also experiences four seasons, often with more intense sun and significant snowfall that can melt quickly. Denver's transportation network is more extensive, reflecting its larger size and population density.
Bottom line
For households considering a move between these two mountain west metros, the financial impact is substantial. Boise consistently offers a lower cost of living across almost all major categories, most notably housing. While both cities provide access to outdoor recreation and a four-season climate, a move to Denver would generally entail a significantly higher household budget for housing, everyday necessities, and state income taxes compared to Boise.
| Measure | Boise, ID | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 128 |
| Housing index | 110 | 146 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 104 |
| Food index | 95 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 88 | 98 |
| Misc index | 90 | 108 |
| Median home price | $418,000 | $548,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,950/mo |
| Average commute | 22 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Denver home with the True Cost Calculator.