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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Fremont

California
278

Boise is 60% cheaper than Fremont.

$1,359/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 114%
$81,308/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 117%
$456,000 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 183%
$1,337/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 124%
235,701
Population
228,518

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,546/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $18,552/year.

Median household income is $95,042/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Fremont — common questions

Is Boise or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Fremont?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $1,546/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Fremont?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $95,042/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Fremont details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Fremont

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