Boise vs Houston: cost of living compared
Houston is 4% 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, Houston presents a more budget-friendly option compared to Boise. The primary factor driving this difference is housing, which is noticeably more expensive in Boise. While some other categories show variations, the substantial gap in housing costs makes Houston's total cost of living generally lower than Boise's, which hovers slightly above the national average.
Housing
Boise's housing market is significantly pricier for both home purchases and rental properties. Houston offers substantially more affordable options for buying a home and also features lower median rents. While specific ownership costs like property taxes and insurance vary, the initial outlay for a home or monthly rent is considerably higher in Boise.
Taxes and everyday costs
A key difference in daily expenses is the absence of state income tax in Houston, which can impact take-home pay. Transportation costs are higher in Houston, while utilities are also more expensive there. Boise sees lower costs for transportation and utilities. Food and healthcare expenses are roughly similar between the two metros, with Boise having a slight edge in healthcare affordability.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Boise offers a high desert climate with distinct seasons, including snowy winters, and is known for its proximity to outdoor recreation. Getting around Boise often involves less traffic and a more relaxed pace. Houston, in contrast, has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, and is a sprawling metro with extensive road networks, leading to longer average commutes.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, Houston generally offers a more advantageous financial position, largely due to its significantly lower housing costs and the absence of a state income tax. While some daily expenses like transportation and utilities are higher in Houston, these are often offset by the substantial savings in housing, making it a more affordable choice for many households.
| Measure | Boise, ID | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 98 |
| Housing index | 110 | 84 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 109 |
| Food index | 95 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 88 | 108 |
| Misc index | 90 | 92 |
| Median home price | $418,000 | $298,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Average commute | 22 min | 31 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Houston home with the True Cost Calculator.