A Guide to Budgeting for Newcomers: Idaho vs. Washington
Moving to a new state can be exciting, but it can also be expensive. Between the cost of rent, transportation, and other expenses, it’s important to make a budget before you make the move. This guide will help you compare the cost of living in Idaho and Washington, so you can make an informed decision about where to live.
Cost of Living in Idaho
The cost of living in Idaho is generally lower than the national average. According to Numbeo, the cost of living index in Boise, Idaho is 87.4, while the cost of living index in Seattle, Washington is 104.5. This means that, on average, goods and services are 17.1% cheaper in Boise than in Seattle.
| Expense | Boise | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,161 | $1,444 |
| Groceries | $312 | $354 |
| Utilities | $142 | $164 |
| Transportation | $634 | $740 |
As you can see, the cost of housing is significantly lower in Boise than in Seattle. This is due to the fact that Boise has a lower population density than Seattle, which means that there is more land available for development. Additionally, Boise has a more affordable housing market than Seattle.
Groceries are also more affordable in Boise than in Seattle. This is because Idaho has a lower cost of living than Washington. Additionally, Boise has a number of farmer’s markets and grocery stores that offer affordable produce and other goods.
Utilities are also more affordable in Boise than in Seattle. This is because Idaho has a lower cost of living than Washington. Additionally, Boise has a more mild climate than Seattle, which means that residents do not need to spend as much money on heating and cooling their homes.
Transportation is the one area where the cost of living is higher in Boise than in Seattle. This is because Boise has a less developed public transportation system than Seattle. Additionally, Boise is located in a more rural area, which means that residents have to drive longer distances to get to work and other destinations.
Cost of Living in Washington
The cost of living in Washington is generally higher than the national average. According to Numbeo, the cost of living index in Seattle, Washington is 104.5, while the cost of living index in Boise, Idaho is 87.4. This means that, on average, goods and services are 17.1% more expensive in Seattle than in Boise.
| Expense | Seattle | Boise |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,444 | $1,161 |
| Groceries | $354 | $312 |
| Utilities | $164 | $142 |
| Transportation |
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