Boise vs Sydney

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 $74,292 in Sydney.

Conversely, $75,000 in Sydney equals $75,714 in Boise.

Living in Boise vs Sydney

Housing Costs

Boise's housing index of 118 is lower Sydney's 142, translating to median home prices of $420,000 vs $825,000. The $405,000 difference in home prices means roughly $26,328 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,400/mo in Boise compared to $2,050/mo in Sydney, a monthly difference of $650.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 99 in Boise and 95 in Sydney. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Boise vs $451/month in Sydney. 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 98 in Sydney. Monthly utility bills average approximately $356 in Boise vs $392 in Sydney. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs index at 98 in Boise and 72 in Sydney. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 26-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 $60,000 in Sydney. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $57,375 and $57,143 respectively. Boise residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,419/month to housing in Boise vs $1,400/month in Sydney. In Boise, median rent of $1,400/mo fits within this budget. In Sydney, median rent of $2,050/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 26 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases