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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Boise is 55% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,359/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 57%
$81,308/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 34%
$456,000 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 196%
$1,337/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 75%
235,701
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $768/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $9,216/year.

Median household income is $27,250/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Boise or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Berkeley?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $768/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Berkeley?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $27,250/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and California?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Berkeley details →

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