Boise vs Hampton
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Boise
Hampton
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 20.5%, with Hampton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Boise has equivalent purchasing power to $62,264 in Hampton.
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 $62,264 in Hampton.
Conversely, $75,000 in Hampton equals $90,341 in Boise.
Living in Boise vs Hampton
Housing Costs
Boise's housing index of 118 is higher Hampton's 102, translating to median home prices of $420,000 vs $243,000. The $177,000 difference in home prices means roughly $11,508 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,400/mo in Boise compared to $1,175/mo in Hampton, a monthly difference of $225.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Boise and 94 in Hampton. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Boise vs $447/month in Hampton. 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 102 in Hampton. Monthly utility bills average approximately $356 in Boise vs $408 in Hampton. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 98 in Boise and 106 in Hampton. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $60,818 in Boise and $59,400 in Hampton. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $57,375 and $67,500 respectively. Hampton 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 $1,386/month in Hampton. In Boise, median rent of $1,400/mo fits within this budget. In Hampton, median rent of $1,175/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 16 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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