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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Boise is 33% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,359/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 61%
$81,308/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 26%
$456,000 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 30%
$1,337/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 66%
235,701
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $832/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $9,984/year.

Median household income is $21,013/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Boise or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Fairfield?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $832/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Fairfield?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $21,013/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Fairfield details →

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