Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Boise is 5% more affordable than Gilbert. A $75,000 salary in Gilbert is equivalent to $71,622 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boise has a housing index of 118 while Gilbert sits at 128 (national average = 100). The median home in Boise costs $420,000 compared to $470,000 in Gilbert, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Boise versus $1,700 in Gilbert.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boise scores 99 while Gilbert scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Boise (98) are higher than Gilbert (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Boise is $60,818 compared to $94,518 in Gilbert. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Boise.
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