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Boise vs Chattanooga: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Boise is 17% more expensive than Chattanooga. Boise is 5% safer. Boise population: 238,429. Chattanooga population: 194,144.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingChattanooga
SafetyBoise
HousingChattanooga

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Boise vs Chattanooga

Chattanooga is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 90 vs 105 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 15 index points.

CategoryBoiseChattanooga
Overall Index10590
Housing$2,314/moIndex: 130$1,566/moIndex: 88
Groceries$410/moIndex: 100$398/moIndex: 97
Transportation$350/moIndex: 100$343/moIndex: 98
Healthcare$314/moIndex: 98$314/moIndex: 98
Utilities$202/moIndex: 92$198/moIndex: 90

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Boise vs Chattanooga

Boise is 5% safer overall, with a crime rate of 22.4 per 1,000 residents vs Chattanooga's 23.6. Boise earns a B- safety grade compared to Chattanooga's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

B-

Boise

Idaho

Overall GradeB-
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate22.4/1K
TrendDeclining
C+

Chattanooga

Tennessee

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.6/1K
TrendDeclining
MetricBoiseChattanooga
Overall Crime Rate22.4/1K23.6/1K
Violent Crime Rate370.6434.7
Property Crime Rate1870.51928.9
Murder Rate4.76.0
Assault Rate322.8287.1
Robbery Rate46.861.3
Burglary Rate334.7219.9
Theft Rate1171.41194.4
Vehicle Theft Rate371.8375.5

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Boise, you have a 1 in 45 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 42 in Chattanooga.

Climate Comparison

Climate data is only available for Boise. A full comparison requires both cities.

Boise Climate Overview

Annual High63.7°F
Annual Low40.8°F
Annual Rain11.1"
Annual Snow18.5"
Comfortable Months5
Best MonthJune
Worst MonthDecember
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
FreezingColdComfortableWarm

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boise cheaper than Chattanooga?
Chattanooga is 17% more affordable than Boise, with a cost of living index of 90 vs 105 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $2,314/mo in Boise vs $1,566/mo in Chattanooga.
Is Boise safer than Chattanooga?
Boise is 5% safer overall, with a crime rate of 22.4 per 1,000 residents vs Chattanooga's 23.6. Boise earns a B- safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Boise or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Boise is safer (B- grade). Chattanooga is more affordable (index 90 vs 105). Boise has a population of 238,429 and Chattanooga has 194,144. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Boise compared to Chattanooga?
Boise has a population of 238,429 and Chattanooga has 194,144. Boise is 23% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Boise or Chattanooga?
Housing is cheaper in Chattanooga. Estimated monthly housing costs: Boise $2,314/mo vs Chattanooga $1,566/mo. That's based on a housing index of 130 vs 88 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

B-
Boise Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Chattanooga Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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