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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Glendale

California
214

Boise is 48% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,359/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 54%
$81,308/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 4%
$456,000 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 129%
$1,337/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 65%
235,701
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $736/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $8,832/year.

Median household income is $2,954/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Glendale — common questions

Is Boise or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Glendale?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $736/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Glendale?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $2,954/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Glendale details →

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