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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Boise is 10% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,359/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 25%
$81,308/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 6%
$456,000 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 10%
$1,337/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 31%
235,701
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $337/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $4,044/year.

Median household income is $5,225/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Boise or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Lancaster?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $337/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Lancaster?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $5,225/year higher in Boise.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Lancaster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Lancaster

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale