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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Escondido

California
163

Boise is 31% cheaper than Escondido.

$1,359/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,922/mo ↑ 41%
$81,308/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$84,477/yr ↑ 4%
$456,000 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$663,500 ↑ 46%
$1,337/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,022/mo ↑ 51%
235,701
Population
149,913

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
27.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Escondido, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $563/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $6,756/year.

Median household income is $3,169/year higher in Escondido. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $663,500 in Escondido.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Escondido — common questions

Is Boise or Escondido cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Escondido?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Escondido it's $1,922/month — a difference of $563/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Escondido?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $84,477 in Escondido. Median household income is $3,169/year higher in Escondido.
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 Escondido?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Escondido has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,922/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Escondido details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Escondido

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Escondido vs. Bellevue Escondido vs. Jackson Escondido vs. Charleston Escondido vs. Joliet Escondido vs. Roseville Escondido vs. Surprise