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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Boise is 36% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,359/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 71%
$81,308/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 35%
$456,000 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 33%
$1,337/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 78%
235,701
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $971/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $11,652/year.

Median household income is $28,472/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Boise or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Murrieta?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $971/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Murrieta?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $28,472/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Murrieta

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Murrieta vs. Downey Murrieta vs. Pueblo Murrieta vs. Peoria Murrieta vs. Miami Gardens Murrieta vs. Pompano Beach Murrieta vs. Everett