Quick answer
Des Moines costs $170/month less overall ($1,690 vs $1,860/mo). Des Moines also has lower state income tax (4.82% vs 5.8%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Boise vs Des Moines
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Boise vs Des Moines at a Glance
| Metric | Boise | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,380 | $1,350 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,720 | $1,350 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $445K | $245K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $135 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $345 ✓ | $370 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,860 | $1,690 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 42/100 | 45/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 28/100 | 29/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 5.8% | 4.82% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Des Moines's 1BR averages $1,150/month vs $1,380 in Boise — a $230/month difference, or $2,760/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Des Moines charges 4.82% state income tax vs 5.8% in Boise. On an $80K salary that's a $800/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,960 vs $5,760 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Des Moines are $245K vs $445K in Boise. At a 20% down payment, that's a $40,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Des Moines utilities run $35 more per month than Boise.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Boise, ID
Boise is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Boise
Four seasons; hot dry summers, cold winters with snow, 205 sunny days
Des Moines
Cold winters with wind chills reaching -20°F; warm summers; defined seasons.
Job Market
Boise top industries
Des Moines top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Boise if…
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a remote workers from expensive West Coast cities
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a families
Move to Des Moines if…
- →You're a Insurance and financial services professionals
- →You're a Families seeking excellent schools and safety
- →You're a Anyone valuing Midwestern hospitality and community
- →You're a Young professionals interested in startup culture
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boise or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,690 in Des Moines vs $1,860 in Boise — a $170/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Boise or Des Moines?
Des Moines is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45/100 vs 42/100. Boise is more car-dependent.
Boise vs Des Moines: which has lower state income tax?
Des Moines has lower state income tax (4.82%). On an $80K salary, that saves $800/year vs Boise (5.8%).
Is Boise or Des Moines better for buying a home?
Des Moines has lower median home prices at $245K vs $445K in Boise — a $200,000 difference on the median home.