City comparison
No. Boise's crime index is 73 versus 85 in Henderson, and its violent crime index is 85 versus 72, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Boise is cheaper. Median rent is $1,446 a month versus $1,824 in Henderson.
The cost gap between Henderson and Boise is the real story here. Boise comes in 21% cheaper on typical rent ($1,824 vs $1,446), which over a year adds up to $4,536. Median household income runs $90,138 in Henderson and $83,904 in Boise.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Boise costs less and Henderson pays more: the right call depends on whether you are optimizing for take-home pay or monthly burn rate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Boise at $1,446 average has pockets that run $1,246 and others at $1,846: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Henderson and Boise are 527 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,824 a month in Henderson to $1,446 a month in Boise, down $378 a month (21%).
Median household income goes from $90,138 in Henderson to $83,904 in Boise, down $6,234 (7%).
The crime index goes from 85 in Henderson to 73 in Boise, down 12 points (14%).
The move
Boise and Henderson are 527 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,446 a month in Boise to $1,824 a month in Henderson, up $378 a month (26%).
Median household income goes from $83,904 in Boise to $90,138 in Henderson, up $6,234 (7%).
The crime index goes from 73 in Boise to 85 in Henderson, up 12 points (16%).
Henderson, NV
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Boise, ID
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Henderson and Boise? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
21% cheaper
Boise rent is 21% cheaper than Henderson
Henderson
$1,824/mo
Boise
Winner$1,446/mo
Typical rent runs $1,446 a month in Boise versus $1,824 in Henderson, so Boise is 21% cheaper. That's roughly $378/month back in your pocket ($4,536/year). Over five years that's $22,680 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Henderson, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Boise is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Boise? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
7% higher
Henderson's median income is 7% higher than Boise
Henderson
Winner$90,138
Boise
$83,904
Median household income is $90,138 in Henderson versus $83,904 in Boise, so typical pay runs 7% higher in Henderson (about $6,234 more household income a year). The income edge is modest. Treat it as extra negotiating context, not a reason to ignore rent, schools, or climate. Remote workers especially should not treat citywide pay as a personal raise if their employer will not localize salary.
Crime index
14% lower crime
Boise's crime index is 14% lower than Henderson
Henderson
85 (100 = avg)
Boise
Winner73 (100 = avg)
Boise's crime index is 73 versus 85 in Henderson (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 14% lower in Boise. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Boise, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Henderson. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
12% more comfortable
Henderson weather is 12% more comfortable than Boise
Henderson
Winner75°F avg · 83°F highs · comfort 100/100
Boise
61°F avg · 70°F highs · comfort 89/100
Henderson averages about 75°F (83°F highs); Boise averages about 61°F (70°F highs). Henderson sits near 75°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Boise averages around 61°F. Henderson scores 12% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Boise if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside plus year-round outdoor access
It is also a match for career-focused movers who want salary upside and year-round outdoor access. Median household income runs 7% higher ($90,138), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 75°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Fit check
Families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy
Boise is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 21% cheaper here at about $1,446 a month. Choose Boise if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Boise is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 14% lower than Henderson (73 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Bottom line
Rent is the clearest fork: Boise at $1,446/month versus $1,824 in Henderson ($378 apart). Henderson median income is $90,138 against $83,904 in Boise, so the cheaper lease does not always pair with the stronger local wage base.
Boise rent at $1,446/month is still below Henderson's $1,824, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Safety scores read 65/100 in Henderson and 70/100 in Boise.
Boise clears the bar on housing cost in this dataset. Henderson deserves a serious look only when your $90,138 income offer in Henderson outweighs saving $378/month in Boise.
Common questions
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Henderson and Boise, plus other cities in NV and ID.
