Boise vs Philadelphia: cost of living compared
Philadelphia is 10% 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
Moving between Boise and Philadelphia presents a noticeable shift in overall cost of living, with Philadelphia generally being more expensive. While Boise's housing costs are a significant factor in its overall index, Philadelphia's higher expenses across transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities contribute to its greater overall cost. Understanding these differences is key to budgeting for a potential relocation.
Housing
Boise's median home prices are considerably higher than Philadelphia's, reflecting a different market dynamic. However, median one-bedroom rents are roughly similar, with Philadelphia being slightly more expensive. Housing stock in Boise often leans towards newer construction, while Philadelphia features a greater prevalence of older, more traditional urban homes like rowhouses. Property taxes and insurance costs can also vary significantly between these distinct markets.
Taxes and everyday costs
Pennsylvania has a state income tax, unlike Idaho, which impacts take-home pay. Beyond that, daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all noticeably higher in Philadelphia. Commute times are also longer in Philadelphia, suggesting more time spent traveling. These differences mean that routine spending on essentials will likely be greater for residents in the larger East Coast city.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Boise offers a high desert climate with distinct seasons and a strong connection to outdoor activities, generally with a more relaxed pace and lower population density. Philadelphia, a much older and larger city, provides a dense urban environment with extensive public transit options and a humid continental climate. The pace of life and access to amenities like museums and historical sites differ greatly, as do typical commuting experiences.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, Philadelphia generally presents a higher overall cost of living compared to Boise, driven by several everyday expenses and a state income tax. While Boise's housing purchase prices are notably higher, rental costs are more comparable. A household budget will need to account for these distinct financial landscapes, balancing housing affordability in one area against broader daily costs in the other.
| Measure | Boise, ID | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 112 |
| Housing index | 110 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 120 |
| Food index | 95 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 88 | 105 |
| Misc index | 90 | 102 |
| Median home price | $418,000 | $298,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 22 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Philadelphia home with the True Cost Calculator.