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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Boise is 51% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,359/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 76%
$81,308/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 35%
$456,000 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 131%
$1,337/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 84%
235,701
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,036/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $12,432/year.

Median household income is $28,765/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Boise or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,036/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $28,765/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Costa Mesa

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria