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Denver vs Boise: Full Comparison

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

Quick Answer

Denver is 24% more expensive than Boise. Boise is 49% safer. Denver has more comfortable months (5 vs 5). Denver population: 740,613. Boise population: 238,429.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingBoise
SafetyBoise
WeatherTie
HousingBoise

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

Cost of Living: Denver vs Boise

Boise is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 130 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 25 index points.

CategoryDenverBoise
Overall Index130105
Housing$3,471/moIndex: 195$2,314/moIndex: 130
Groceries$431/moIndex: 105$410/moIndex: 100
Transportation$378/moIndex: 108$350/moIndex: 100
Healthcare$336/moIndex: 105$314/moIndex: 98
Utilities$198/moIndex: 90$202/moIndex: 92

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

Safety: Denver vs Boise

Boise is 49% safer overall, with a crime rate of 22.4 per 1,000 residents vs Denver's 43.5. Boise earns a B- safety grade compared to Denver's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.

F

Denver

Colorado

Overall GradeF
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeF
Crime Rate43.5/1K
TrendStable
B-

Boise

Idaho

Overall GradeB-
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate22.4/1K
TrendDeclining
MetricDenverBoise
Overall Crime Rate43.5/1K22.4/1K
Violent Crime Rate550.0370.6
Property Crime Rate3800.01870.5
Murder Rate8.64.7
Assault Rate429.0322.8
Robbery Rate99.846.8
Burglary Rate593.2334.7
Theft Rate3293.71171.4
Vehicle Theft Rate888.1371.8

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

Victim Odds

In Denver, you have a 1 in 23 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 45 in Boise.

Climate: Denver vs Boise

Denver Climate Overview

Annual High65.3°F
Annual Low36.1°F
Annual Rain15.5"
Annual Snow43.0"
Comfortable Months5
Best MonthJune
Worst MonthNovember
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
FreezingColdComfortableWarm

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

Monthly Temperature Comparison

DenverBoiseHigh/Low °F range
20°40°60°80°100°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
MetricDenverBoise
Avg Annual High65.3°F63.7°F
Avg Annual Low36.1°F40.8°F
Annual Rain15.5"11.1"
Annual Snow43.0"18.5"
Comfortable Months55
Freezing Months54

Boise is 3°F warmer in summer than Denver, but Denver is 7°F colder in winter than Boise. Denver gets significantly more snow (43" vs 19").

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver cheaper than Boise?
Boise is 24% more affordable than Denver, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 130 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $3,471/mo in Denver vs $2,314/mo in Boise.
Is Denver safer than Boise?
Boise is 49% safer overall, with a crime rate of 22.4 per 1,000 residents vs Denver's 43.5. Boise earns a B- safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Which city has better weather, Denver or Boise?
Denver is about the same temperature as Boise. Denver has more comfortable months (5 vs 5). Annual snow: Denver gets 43", Boise gets 19".
Should I move to Denver or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Boise is safer (B- grade). Boise is more affordable (index 105 vs 130). Denver has better year-round weather. Denver has a population of 740,613 and Boise has 238,429. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Denver compared to Boise?
Denver has a population of 740,613 and Boise has 238,429. Denver is 211% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Denver or Boise?
Housing is cheaper in Boise. Estimated monthly housing costs: Denver $3,471/mo vs Boise $2,314/mo. That's based on a housing index of 195 vs 130 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

F
Denver Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
B-
Boise 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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