Boise, ID vs Cary, NC
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
Cary
72.1
#924 nationally
Cary leads in median household income ($125,317 vs $82,500). Boise leads in walk score (38 vs 28). Boise leads in cost of living index (104 vs 125).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Boise, ID | Cary, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.2 (#766) | 72.1 (#924) |
| Population | 237,963 | 180,010 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $507,649 | $628,913 |
| Median Household Income | $82,500 | $125,317 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 22.8 min |
| Walk Score | 38 | 28 |
| Crime Level | Low | 1.9 |
| School Rating | 7.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 125 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.3 | D+25.6 |
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 →
C-
72.1 Score
Cary, NC
Mid-size North Carolina city with community character
Median Home
$628,913
Population
180,010
Crime
Low
Walk Score
28
Southeast
View Cary, NC →