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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Boise is 51% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,359/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 78%
$81,308/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 47%
$456,000 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 130%
$1,337/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 82%
235,701
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,065/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $12,780/year.

Median household income is $38,577/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Boise or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,065/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $38,577/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Huntington Beach details →

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