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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Downey

California
169

Boise is 34% cheaper than Downey.

$1,359/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 39%
$81,308/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 7%
$456,000 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 60%
$1,337/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 49%
235,701
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $533/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $6,396/year.

Median household income is $6,092/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Downey — common questions

Is Boise or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Downey?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $533/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Downey?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $6,092/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Downey details →

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