Boise, ID vs Kirkland, WA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Boise
73.2
#766 nationally
Kirkland
68
#1358 nationally
Boise leads in cost of living index (104 vs 179). Kirkland leads in median household income ($135,608 vs $82,500). Kirkland leads in walk score (51 vs 38).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Boise, ID | Kirkland, WA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.2 (#766) | 68 (#1358) |
| Population | 237,963 | 91,194 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $507,649 | $1,212,741 |
| Median Household Income | $82,500 | $135,608 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 25.5 min |
| Walk Score | 38 | 51 |
| Crime Level | Low | 1.7 |
| School Rating | 7.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 179 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.3 | D+51.7 |
C
73.2 Score
Boise, ID
Mountain living meets urban opportunity
Median Home
$507,649
Population
237,963
Crime
Low
Schools
B+
West
View Boise, ID →
D+
68 Score
Kirkland, WA
Washington community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,212,741
Population
91,194
Crime
Low
Walk Score
51
Pacific
View Kirkland, WA →