Moving from St. Paul to Boise (2026)
Boise has a COL index of 105 vs 97 for St. Paul (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 8% more for the same lifestyle.
Pay ~$15 more/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
97105
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,500$1,600
per month
State tax
9.9%5.8%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,122$4,378
per month
Salary needed in Boise to match your St. Paul lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in St. Paul | Equivalent in Boise |
|---|---|
| $40K | $43,299 |
| $50K | $54,124 |
| $60K | $64,948 |
| $75K | $81,186 |
| $80K | $86,598 |
| $100K | $108,247 |
| $120K | $129,897 |
| $150K | $162,371 |
Monthly budget at $75K — St. Paul vs Boise
| Expense | St. Paul | Boise |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,378 |
| 1BR rent | $1,500 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $384 | $372 |
| Transport | $95 | $45 |
| Utilities | $195 | $145 |
| Internet | $63 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,885 | $2,156 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boise cheaper than St. Paul?
No. Boise has a cost of living index of 105 vs 97 for St. Paul (100 = US average). That's about 8% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from St. Paul to Boise?
On a $75K salary, moving from St. Paul to Boise could save roughly $15/month on core expenses. That's ~$180/year.
What salary do I need in Boise to match my St. Paul lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. Paul, you'd need roughly $81,186/year in Boise. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Boise to St. PaulSt. Paul vs Boise — full comparisonSt. Paul 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