Boise vs Sarasota: cost of living compared
Sarasota 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
Overall, the cost of living in Sarasota is noticeably higher than in Boise, primarily driven by a significant difference in housing expenses. While some categories like utilities and transportation also show Sarasota as more expensive, the gap in housing costs is the most substantial factor contributing to the overall difference. Boise's overall expenses are closer to the national average, whereas Sarasota's are well above it.
Housing
Both buying and renting are considerably more expensive in Sarasota compared to Boise. Median home prices are higher in Sarasota, as are typical monthly rents for a one-bedroom residence. Beyond the mortgage, Florida homeowners may face higher insurance premiums, including potential flood insurance requirements. Property taxes in Florida also reset to market value upon sale, and many newer communities include additional HOA or CDD fees.
Taxes and everyday costs
Sarasota residents benefit from no state income tax, a significant difference from Idaho. However, daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are generally higher in Sarasota. Transportation costs are somewhat lower in Boise, and food, healthcare, and utilities are all noticeably less expensive there. This means that while income tax is absent in Florida, other routine spending categories tend to be more costly.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Moving between these metros involves a shift in climate and pace. Boise offers a distinct four-season climate with a drier, high-desert environment, while Sarasota provides a warm, humid, subtropical climate with a long hurricane season during summer and fall. Commute times are typically shorter in Boise. Sarasota's development often includes planned communities with HOAs, and its coastal location presents unique considerations like flood risk.
Bottom line
For a household budget, a move from Boise to Sarasota generally means facing a higher overall cost of living, with housing being the most impactful difference. While the absence of state income tax in Florida can be a financial benefit, it is often offset by increased costs in housing, insurance, and many everyday expenses. Careful consideration of these varied cost categories is essential when planning such a relocation.
| Measure | Boise, ID | Sarasota, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 112 |
| Housing index | 110 | 131 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 96 |
| Food index | 95 | 100 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 100 |
| Utilities index | 88 | 108 |
| Misc index | 90 | 98 |
| Median home price | $418,000 | $478,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,850/mo |
| Average commute | 22 min | 26 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Sarasota home with the True Cost Calculator.