Boise City vs Moscow: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Boise City, ID and Moscow, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boise City, ID | Moscow, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,851 | $60,467▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.81 | $29.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,915▲ | $37,377 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,832▲ | $46,068 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,913 | $77,397▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,151 | $93,724▲ |
| Total Employed | 440▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Moscow, ID offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Boise City.
The salary gap between Boise City and Moscow is $2,616 (4.52%). Moscow's median is -7.08% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise City spans $51,236,Moscow spans $56,347. Moscow has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Moscow ($63,449 effective) pays 7.91% more than Boise City ($58,797 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boise City if…
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Moscow if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,467/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,724)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,449)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Boise City grew 29.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.1% growth in Moscow over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$43,380 (2019) → $55,970 (2025)
Moscow, ID
$48,317 (2024) → $58,501 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Moscow, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Boise City or Moscow?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boise City and Moscow?
Should I relocate from Boise City to Moscow as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Boise City vs Moscow?
Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov