Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Boise is 16% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,359/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 5%
$81,308/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 16%
$456,000 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 35%
$1,337/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 9%
235,701
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $72/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $864/year.

Median household income is $12,930/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Boise or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $72/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $12,930/year higher in Boise.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and East Los Angeles

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo