Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Boise, ID (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Bakersfield is 7% cheaper than Boise.

$1,371/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ≈ Same
$77,397/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 5%
$347,300 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 31%
$1,540/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 13%
408,366
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.8%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,911/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Boise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Boise — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Boise?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Boise?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $3,911/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between California and Idaho?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Boise has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,359/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Boise details →

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