Boise vs Denton
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Boise
Denton
The Verdict
Living in Boise costs 1.9% less than Denton. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Boise, you would need $76,415 in Denton.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Boise has the same purchasing power as $76,415 in Denton.
Conversely, $75,000 in Denton equals $73,611 in Boise.
Living in Boise vs Denton
Housing Costs
Boise's housing index of 118 is lower Denton's 126, translating to median home prices of $420,000 vs $385,000. The $35,000 difference in home prices means roughly $2,280 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,400/mo in Boise compared to $1,425/mo in Denton, a monthly difference of $25.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Boise and 98 in Denton. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Boise vs $466/month in Denton. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 89 in Boise and 90 in Denton. Monthly utility bills average approximately $356 in Boise vs $360 in Denton. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 98 in Boise and 81 in Denton. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 17-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $60,818 in Boise and $73,700 in Denton. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $57,375 and $68,241 respectively. Denton residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,419/month to housing in Boise vs $1,720/month in Denton. In Boise, median rent of $1,400/mo fits within this budget. In Denton, median rent of $1,425/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 17 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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