Boise vs Ogden
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Boise
Ogden
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 0.9%, with Boise being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Boise has equivalent purchasing power to $75,708 in Ogden.
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 $75,708 in Ogden.
Conversely, $75,000 in Ogden equals $74,299 in Boise.
Living in Boise vs Ogden
Housing Costs
Boise's housing index of 118 is higher Ogden's 112, 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 $1,250/mo in Ogden, a monthly difference of $150.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Boise and 92 in Ogden. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Boise vs $437/month in Ogden. Ogden 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 80 in Ogden. Monthly utility bills average approximately $356 in Boise vs $320 in Ogden. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 98 in Boise and 91 in Ogden. 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 $70,100 in Ogden. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $57,375 and $65,514 respectively. Ogden 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 $1,636/month in Ogden. In Boise, median rent of $1,400/mo fits within this budget. In Ogden, median rent of $1,250/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 9 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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