Can I Afford to Live in Boise vs Boston on $80K?
Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Boise ID | Boston MA |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,670 | $4,723 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $3,000 |
| Groceries (est.) | $372 | $418 |
| Transport (est.) | $45 | $90 |
| Utilities | $145 | $185 |
| Internet | $60 | $70 |
| Left after essentials | $2,448/month | $960/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $80K a good salary in Boise?
At $80K/year in Boise, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,670. With 1BR rent around $1,600/month, rent takes up 34% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Is $80K a good salary in Boston?
At $80K/year in Boston, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,723. With 1BR rent around $3,000/month, rent takes up 64% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.
Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?
Boise leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,448/month vs $960/month in Boston.
Can I afford to live alone in Boise on $80K?
Yes. At $80K in Boise, rent takes 34% of your take-home, leaving $2,448/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only