Moving from Seattle to Boise (2026)
Boise has a COL index of 105 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). You'd pay about 30% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$873/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
150105
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,400$1,600
per month
State tax
None5.8%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,378
per month
Salary needed in Boise to match your Seattle lifestyle
Based on the 30% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Seattle | Equivalent in Boise |
|---|---|
| $40K | $28,000 |
| $50K | $35,000 |
| $60K | $42,000 |
| $75K | $52,500 |
| $80K | $56,000 |
| $100K | $70,000 |
| $120K | $84,000 |
| $150K | $105,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Seattle vs Boise
| Expense | Seattle | Boise |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,378 |
| 1BR rent | $2,400 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $410 | $372 |
| Transport | $100 | $45 |
| Utilities | $120 | $145 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,646 | $2,156 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boise cheaper than Seattle?
Yes. Boise has a cost of living index of 105 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). That's about 30% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Seattle to Boise?
On a $75K salary, moving from Seattle to Boise could save roughly $873/month on core expenses. That's ~$10,476/year.
What salary do I need in Boise to match my Seattle lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Seattle, you'd need roughly $52,500/year in Boise. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Boise to SeattleSeattle vs Boise — full comparisonSeattle cost of livingBoise cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only