Boise vs Kent
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Boise
Kent
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 22.6%, with Boise being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Boise has equivalent purchasing power to $96,934 in Kent.
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 $96,934 in Kent.
Conversely, $75,000 in Kent equals $58,029 in Boise.
Living in Boise vs Kent
Housing Costs
Boise's housing index of 118 is lower Kent's 195, translating to median home prices of $420,000 vs $595,000. The $175,000 difference in home prices means roughly $11,376 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,400/mo in Boise compared to $1,750/mo in Kent, a monthly difference of $350.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Boise and 109 in Kent. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Boise vs $518/month in Kent. Boise offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $576/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 89 in Boise and 92 in Kent. Monthly utility bills average approximately $356 in Boise vs $368 in Kent. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 98 in Boise and 122 in Kent. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 24-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 $98,300 in Kent. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $57,375 and $71,752 respectively. Kent 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 $2,294/month in Kent. In Boise, median rent of $1,400/mo fits within this budget. In Kent, median rent of $1,750/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 77 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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