Boise vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 6% 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
Overall, the cost of living in Boise is somewhat more affordable than in Salt Lake City. While both metros are slightly above the national average, Salt Lake City presents a noticeably higher overall cost. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are significantly greater in Salt Lake City, impacting both homeownership and rental markets. Other categories like transportation, food, and utilities also show Salt Lake City as slightly more expensive, contributing to the broader cost gap.
Housing
Housing costs represent the most significant difference between these two cities. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are substantially higher in Salt Lake City compared to Boise. This suggests that securing a home, whether buying or renting, will require a larger budget in Salt Lake City. While specific ownership costs like property taxes and insurance vary, the initial investment for a home is a much bigger consideration in the Utah capital.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses also differ. Salt Lake City has a state income tax, unlike Boise, which can impact take-home pay. Transportation costs are somewhat higher in Salt Lake City, though both metros are more affordable than the national average for getting around. Food, healthcare, and utilities are all slightly more expensive in Salt Lake City. These cumulative differences mean that general day-to-day spending will be somewhat higher in Salt Lake City.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Movers will find distinct lifestyle differences. Boise offers a generally more relaxed pace and a slightly less dense urban environment, with a drier, high desert climate. Salt Lake City, as a larger metropolitan hub, typically has a faster pace, more extensive public transit options, and a more pronounced four-season climate with significant winter snowfall. Both offer access to outdoor recreation, but their urban character and regional weather patterns vary noticeably.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move, the primary financial consideration is housing. Boise offers a more accessible housing market for both renters and buyers, making it the more budget-friendly option in this crucial category. While other daily expenses are also somewhat higher in Salt Lake City, the substantial difference in housing costs is what truly sets the two metros apart, requiring a larger overall budget to live comfortably in Salt Lake City.
| Measure | Boise, ID | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 108 |
| Housing index | 110 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 89 |
| Food index | 95 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 88 | 95 |
| Misc index | 90 | 95 |
| Median home price | $418,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,550/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 Salt Lake City home with the True Cost Calculator.