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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Boise is 43% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,359/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 56%
$81,308/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 28%
$456,000 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 89%
$1,337/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 68%
235,701
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $765/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $9,180/year.

Median household income is $22,911/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Boise or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Fullerton?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $765/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Fullerton?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $22,911/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Fullerton

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