Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Boise is 20% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $60,227 in Boise.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Idaho salaries · Maryland salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boise has a housing index of 118 while Columbia sits at 172 (national average = 100). The median home in Boise costs $420,000 compared to $430,000 in Columbia, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Boise versus $1,900 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boise scores 99 while Columbia scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Boise (98) are lower than Columbia (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Boise is $60,818 compared to $112,738 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Boise.
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