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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Fontana

California
146

Boise is 23% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,359/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 28%
$81,308/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 21%
$456,000 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 22%
$1,337/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 49%
235,701
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $374/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $4,488/year.

Median household income is $16,879/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Fontana — common questions

Is Boise or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Fontana?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $374/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Fontana?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $16,879/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Fontana details →

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