Boise vs Fort Smith

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 $54,481 in Fort Smith.

Conversely, $75,000 in Fort Smith equals $103,247 in Boise.

Living in Boise vs Fort Smith

Housing Costs

Boise's housing index of 118 is higher Fort Smith's 49, translating to median home prices of $420,000 vs $155,000. The $265,000 difference in home prices means roughly $17,220 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,400/mo in Boise compared to $775/mo in Fort Smith, a monthly difference of $625.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 99 in Boise and 92 in Fort Smith. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Boise vs $437/month in Fort Smith. Fort Smith offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $396/year.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 89 in Boise and 95 in Fort Smith. Monthly utility bills average approximately $356 in Boise vs $380 in Fort Smith. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs index at 98 in Boise and 88 in Fort Smith. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 10-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 $45,200 in Fort Smith. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $57,375 and $58,701 respectively. Fort Smith 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 $1,055/month in Fort Smith. In Boise, median rent of $1,400/mo fits within this budget. In Fort Smith, median rent of $775/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 69 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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