Moving from Melbourne to Boise (2026)
Boise has a COL index of 105 vs 110 for Melbourne (100 = US average). You'd pay about 5% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Boise to match your Melbourne lifestyle
Based on the 5% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Melbourne | Equivalent in Boise |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,182 |
| $50K | $47,727 |
| $60K | $57,273 |
| $75K | $71,591 |
| $80K | $76,364 |
| $100K | $95,455 |
| $120K | $114,545 |
| $150K | $143,182 |
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Monthly budget at $75K — Melbourne vs Boise
| Expense | Melbourne | Boise |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $3,000 | $4,378 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $380 | $372 |
| Transport | $150 | $45 |
| Utilities | $130 | $145 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $678 | $2,156 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $100 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Melbourne — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Boise cheaper than Melbourne?
Yes. Boise has a cost of living index of 105 vs 110 for Melbourne (100 = US average). That's about 5% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Melbourne to Boise?
On a $75K salary, moving from Melbourne to Boise saves roughly $2,450/month on core expenses. That's ~$29,400/year.
What salary do I need in Boise to match my Melbourne lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Melbourne, you'd need roughly $71,591/year in Boise. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only