Boise vs. Denver: Which City Delivers Better Cost of Living for Remote Workers in 2025?
Is It Time to Look Beyond the Rockies?
In a world where remote work is rapidly becoming the norm and not just the perk, a growing number of Americans are seeking out affordable, livable, and lifestyle-rich cities to call home. Two destinations climbing the charts in 2025 are Boise, Idaho and Denver, Colorado. Denver, once a darling of millennials due to its outdoor appeal and booming job market, is now being rivaled by Boise—a quieter but increasingly popular city drawing tech migrants, entrepreneurs, and families alike.
But here’s the million-dollar question: if you earn the same remote income, where will your dollar stretch further—Boise or Denver?
Whether you’re a remote worker ditching the coast, a family planning your next move, or a retiree watching your wallet, this comparison offers surprising facts, bold insights, and zip code-level tips for making your next relocation count.
Table of Contents
1. City Overviews: Why Boise and Denver?
2. Housing Head-to-Head: Renting & Buying in 2025
3. Groceries, Dining & Everyday Essentials
4. Utilities, Internet & Monthly Necessities
5. Public Transit vs. Car Life: Transportation Costs
6. Healthcare Essentials & Insurance Rates
7. Taxes, Fees, and What You Keep
8. Lifestyle Costs: Gym, Childcare, and Going Out
9. Monthly Cost Snapshot: Singles vs. Families
10. Verdict: Which City Wins for Remote Workers?
11. Zip Code Smart Moves & Data Tools
12. What’s Next: Preview of Upcoming Comparisons
1. City Overviews: Why Boise and Denver?
Boise, Idaho
- What’s buzzing: With a population nearing 250,000, Boise is a rising star for digital nomads and traders fleeing big-city prices.
- Claim to fame: Adventure lifestyle, access to nature, low crime rates, and no traffic jams.
- Top trend: Tech startups and remote-friendly coworking hubs have started to boom, capitalizing on low operational costs.
Denver, Colorado
- What’s buzzing: Once one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., Denver is still strong in tech, finance, and real estate sectors.
- Claim to fame: Olympic-level outdoor recreation, award-winning breweries, and a buzzing job market.
- Top trend: Post-COVID normalization of telecommuting put pressure on Denver’s housing supply, causing affordability debates to reignite.
2. Housing Head-to-Head: Renting & Buying in 2025
| Metric | Boise, ID | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $439,000 | $599,000 |
| Average Rent (1BR apartment) | $1,275/month | $1,900/month |
| Average Rent (3BR apartment) | $1,950/month | $3,100/month |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.63% | 0.49% |
Key Insight: Boise offers substantial affordability in both renting and homeownership. While property taxes are slightly higher in Idaho, lower property values often offset the difference.
3. Groceries, Dining & Everyday Essentials
| Item | Boise, ID | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly groceries (single) | $325 | $375 |
| Monthly groceries (family) | $825 | $980 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | $18/person | $25/person |
| Coffee (latte to-go) | $4.25 | $5.75 |
Key Insight: Boise is noticeably more budget-friendly for day-to-day food and dining. With a growing local agriculture base and less urban inflation, grocery and dining bills stay manageable.
4. Utilities, Internet & Monthly Necessities
| Monthly Utility Category | Boise, ID | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity & water (1BR) | $140 | $165 |
| Internet | $65 | $80 |
| Garbage/Recycling Fees | $20 | $28 |
Key Insight: Boise wins again on utility costs, partly due to more efficient infrastructure and lower demand prices.
5. Public Transit vs. Car Life: Transportation Costs
| Category | Boise, ID | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Public Transit Monthly Pass | $45 | $114 |
| Gas Price/gallon | $3.40 | $3.79 |
| Avg monthly car cost (own) | $700 | $825 |
| Rideshare usage (avg/month) | $140 | $180 |
Key Insight: Denver’s larger size and sprawl means higher typical transit expenses, especially for rideshare-dependent users. However, its bigger public transportation system is a benefit for those without cars.
6. Healthcare Essentials & Insurance Rates
| Category | Boise, ID | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Health Plan | $380/month | $460/month |
| Family Health Plan | $1,225/month | $1,450/month |
| Average Out-of-Pocket Visit | $105 | $125 |
Key Insight: While both cities offer decent access to healthcare providers, Boise generally features lower premiums and co-pay costs, giving it the edge for health-conscious budgeters.
7. Taxes, Fees, and What You Keep
| Tax/Fee Type | Boise, ID | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 5.8% | 4.4% |
| Sales Tax Rate | 6% | 8.81% (includes city) |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.63% | 0.49% |
Key Insight: Colorado boasts slightly lower income and property taxes overall, but higher sales taxes and living costs soften the win. Boise residents avoid many city surcharges.
8. Lifestyle Costs: Gym, Childcare, and Going Out
| Category | Boise, ID | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Gym Membership | $38/month | $54/month |
| Childcare (Preschool/month) | $850 | $1,225 |
| Movie ticket | $11.25 | $15.00 |
| Weekend outing (avg couple) | $95 | $140 |
Key Insight: Boise surprises many with its robust family infrastructure at a cheaper rate. Lower monthly recurring costs allow more discretionary spending for families and career-focused singles.
9. Monthly Cost Snapshot: Singles vs. Families
| Cost Category | Boise (Single) | Denver (Single) | Boise (Family of 4) | Denver (Family of 4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent) | $1,275 | $1,900 | $1,950 | $3,100 |
| Groceries | $325 | $375 | $825 | $980 |
| Utilities + Internet | $205 | $245 | $275 | $335 |
| Transportation | $700 | $825 | $850 | $990 |
| Healthcare | $380 | $460 | $1,225 | $1,450 |
| Miscellaneous/Lifestyle | $400 | $525 | $800 | $1,075 |
| Total Monthly Estimate | $3,285 | $4,330 | $5,925 | $7,930 |
10. Verdict: Which City Wins for Remote Workers?
Boise delivers solid economic wins across the board. While Denver remains an attractive metro with career momentum, its high housing and childcare costs make it tough for families and first-time buyers. Boise, despite its smaller size, punches above its weight in infrastructure, affordability, and outdoor access.
For remote workers—especially those earning San Francisco or NYC paychecks—Boise offers the best bang for your buck. You’ll stretch your budget, buy a home faster, and enjoy a slower-paced (yet tech-aware) lifestyle.
11. Zip Code Smart Moves & Data Tools
Want to get hyper-local?
- Check out detailed Boise zip code breakdowns: 83702 (North End charm), 83706 (Boise State proximity), and 83709 (suburban value).
- In Denver, explore 80205 (hip RiNo district), 80210 (DU area & family-friendly), and 80220 (affordable older homes in east Denver).
Find businesses, schools, population insights, and housing stats right now at CompaniesByZipcode.com.
12. What’s Next: Preview of Upcoming Comparisons
Coming Next Week: “Coastal Living Showdown—San Diego vs. Miami: Sun, Surf, and Sticker Shock in 2025”
Discover which beach city balances lifestyle and price as we dive deep into housing, hurricanes, and how far $5,000/month really gets you on the coast.
Explore with Confidence
Use zip-code-level insights at CompaniesByZipcode.com to find your ideal location—whether you’re chasing mountain views, better schools, or remote-friendly communities.