Boise vs Memphis: cost of living compared
Memphis is 24% 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
Comparing Boise and Memphis reveals a substantial difference in overall cost of living. Memphis stands out as considerably more affordable than Boise, which is closer to the national average. This significant gap is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are dramatically lower in Memphis. While other categories show variations, housing costs are the dominant factor shaping the financial landscape between these two cities.
Housing
Housing costs present the most striking contrast. Both buying a home and renting a one-bedroom apartment are substantially more expensive in Boise than in Memphis. Memphis offers much more accessible home prices and significantly lower monthly rents. While specific property taxes and insurance vary, the initial outlay for housing is a much larger commitment in Boise compared to the more budget-friendly options found in Memphis.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also differ. Memphis generally offers lower costs for food and healthcare compared to Boise. Transportation costs are roughly similar, though Boise is slightly more favorable. A key financial distinction is state income tax; Tennessee, where Memphis is located, does not have one, which can impact take-home pay compared to Idaho. Utility costs, however, are somewhat lower in Boise.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle elements vary. Boise, nestled in a high desert climate, experiences distinct four seasons with drier air, while Memphis has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, and is prone to more severe weather events. Commute times are generally shorter in Boise. Boise often feels less dense with more immediate access to outdoor recreation, whereas Memphis offers a more urban, established Southern city feel.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the financial impact is clear: Memphis offers a much lower cost of living, predominantly due to its significantly more affordable housing market. While Boise has some advantages in utilities and slightly shorter commutes, the absence of state income tax in Tennessee, combined with lower costs for housing, food, and healthcare in Memphis, translates to a considerably lighter burden on a household budget.
| Measure | Boise, ID | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 78 |
| Housing index | 110 | 54 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 88 |
| Food index | 95 | 85 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 88 |
| Utilities index | 88 | 92 |
| Misc index | 90 | 78 |
| Median home price | $418,000 | $178,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $900/mo |
| Average commute | 22 min | 25 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Memphis home with the True Cost Calculator.