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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Boise is 36% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,359/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 45%
$81,308/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 11%
$456,000 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 68%
$1,337/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 51%
235,701
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $612/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $7,344/year.

Median household income is $8,858/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Boise or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $612/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $8,858/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Garden Grove

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins